Myanmar Labor Alliance welcomes US task force action against regional scam syndicates

Mizzima

On 17 November, the Myanmar Labor Alliance (MLA) issued a statement welcoming the United States Government’s creation of a Scam Center Strike Force, an initiative targeting transnational cyber-scam and human-trafficking networks operating in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

The statement is as follows.

We commend this decisive action, which reflects growing international recognition of the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations and dismantle exploitative systems no matter where they are located. The MLA views this effort as complementary to the recent invocation of Article 33 of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Constitution, which holds Myanmar’s military regime accountable for grave and persistent violations of labor rights, including forced labor and suppression of freedom of association.

Article 33 is the ILO’s most powerful enforcement mechanism, reserved for the most serious breaches of fundamental rights. Its invocation against Myanmar in June 2025 underscores the severity of the junta’s abuses and the global demand for accountability. The MLA urges all governments, international institutions, and private sector actors to align their actions with the principles of Article 33—targeting military-linked enterprises, supporting responsible disengagement, and protecting workers.

We also thank Congressman Shreve for taking the initiative, Congressman Mr. Moolenaar, and Mr. Rulli for co-sponsoring the submission of H.R.5490- Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act to the 119th Congress (2025-2026). We call for the passing of this bill and look forward to working together for its implementation.

We stand ready to collaborate with neighboring, regional and global partners to ensure that justice, accountability, and labor rights are upheld. We call for continued international cooperation to confront these threats and safeguard the dignity and safety of all workers.