Burmese Migrant Women and Access to Justice in Thailand

Abstract

The aim of research was to examine causes and effects of conflicts toward migration of Burmese women into Thailand as well as access to justice of Burmese women. This qualitative research was collected data from experts which were police officers, attorneys, judges and 120 people related to research area which were 60 NGO workers and 60 Burmese migrant women. Data collection was carried out in 3 provinces in Thailand which was Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Tak. Methodology for data collect was in-depth interview that relevant to the purpose of study. The data then was conducted by content analysis and presented through descriptive research. The study determined that causes of migration of Burmese women into Thailand were conflicts on ethnic minorities, military dictatorship, human rights violation, poverty, yearning for human right and better living for family, and other violence such as labour abuse, exploitation, violation and sexual harassment. Burmese migrant women possibly face various effects in Thailand such as labour abuse, exploitation, violation sexual harassment, prostitution and inaccessible justice. The significant effect for Burmese migrant women was inaccessible on justice system in Thailand and their right or equity to justice was non-existent. Due to illegal migration and no legal identity and verification, Burmese migrant women fled from administrative officers and they can face illegal employment, extortion, prostitution or human trafficking coercion. Consequently, Burmese migrant women were insecure to meet prosecution with their illegal status as well as barrier in communication and identity verification issue. The research provide recommendation that due to vulnerability, lack of human right and opportunity to Burmese migrant women in Thailand, cooperation between Thai and Burmese government must contribute in order to solicited to resolve the issues and support “adaptation toward right to justice in Thailand”.

Keywords: Migration, Access to Justice, Burmese Women, Conflict