Myanmar, CEDAW/C/MMR/CO/3

26. While noting the measures referred to in paragraph 5 above, as well as the training-of-trainers programme for protection against trafficking in persons, the Committee expresses concern at the persistence of trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls in the country. The Committee is also concerned at reports that the 2005 anti-trafficking law has been abused and that some innocent people have been arrested on false trafficking charges. It is further concerned at the inadequate protection procedures granted for returned trafficked victims from abroad, especially from China, along the border areas, and at the State party’s failure to address the root causes of migration in and from Myanmar, and its consequent inability to seriously address the trafficking problem.

44. While noting the adoption of the 30-year master plan for the development of border areas and national races (from fiscal year 2001/02 to fiscal year 2030/31) and various development projects initiated by the State party in the rural areas, including microfinancing programmes implemented by MWAF, the Committee expresses its concern at the disadvantaged position of women in rural and remote areas — the majority of women in Myanmar — which is characterized by poverty, illiteracy, difficulties in access to health care, education and social services and a lack of participation in decision-making processes at the community level. It is also concerned that the various development projects may not always include a gender perspective. The Committee is further concerned that traditional female stereotypes are most prevalent in the rural communities and that rural women are often relegated to tasks related to farming and raising children and have no opportunity for wage employment. In addition, the Committee is concerned at reports that State drug eradication programmes, involving the banning of opium-growing without substituting sustainable alternatives, have also led to large-scale food shortages and migration.