Mandalay MPs question six‑month detention of victims

Lawmakers in Myanmar’s Mandalay Region have raised concerns over the prolonged detention of three women trafficked into the country, who were kept in a shelter for nearly six months while waiting to testify in court.

During a parliamentary session on 5 June, representatives pressed the regional government on why the victims had not been returned to their families sooner. U Kyaw San, MP for Aung Myay Thar San Township, asked whether there was a plan to release the women, who had been held at a temporary shelter in Phontaw Toe Township since late 2025.

Responding to the question, Colonel Nay Lin Soe, Minister of Security and Border Affairs, explained that trafficked victims are usually sheltered until they give evidence in court. He admitted that in this case, delays in filing charges meant the women remained in custody for months. “We will take strict measures to ensure there are no delays in investigating further cases,” he said.

The minister noted that when suspects are not immediately arrested, victims may still be required to testify, and their statements can later be used if fugitives are recaptured. He stressed that after testimony, victims are returned to their families under the shelter programme.

U Kyaw San confirmed that two of the women were released on 1 June after testifying, while the third is expected to return home following a court appearance on 9 June. He said the issue highlighted the need for swifter legal processes to avoid victims being held for extended periods.

The case has drawn attention to Myanmar’s handling of human trafficking victims, with critics warning that lengthy detentions risk compounding the trauma already suffered. Lawmakers pledged closer scrutiny to ensure victims are protected and reintegrated without unnecessary delays.

-2026-06-07