Why BLOs could cope with the challenge of cross-border trafficking?
China's rapid economic growth has brought changes even to the remoter border areas. Ruili, in Yunnan province adjoining Myanmar, has become a centre for trafficking women as well as cross-border trading.
On the Myanmar side, Muse is a trafficking centre with links with Ruili on the China side.
Myanmar citizens can easily cross to the China side through check points like this one, along the porous border between the two counties..
Unofficial paths in the border area can be used to cross the border on foot for those wishing to avoid the check-points.
Cross-border traffickers and smugglers can also cross the border unofficially by boat.
The long border between China and Myanmar is shown in black and its length is a serious challenge to those seeking to combat cross-border trafficking.
Faced with the situation in the cross-border areas, it has become clear fro discussions that Border Liaison Offices (BLO's) need to be set up on both sides of the border to exchange information and help protect victims.
UNICEF and other international organizations support the efforts of the two Governments through the provision of technical and financial support.
One example of an anti-trafficking BLO set-up in Muse with a female liaison officer assigned special tasks to exchange information relating to trafficking to her counterpart in Ruili. She also works on the rescue and repatriation of victims.
UNICEF provided technical facilities to the BLO Office to make their work more efficient.
BLO office receives victims and provides sheltering service before their return and reunion with family.
UNICEF also provides supplies to the play room for children of victims.
