The Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Yangon participated in the "Lives Behind Scam" Campaign Launch, jointly organized by the United States Embassy in Yangon, the United Nations (UN), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to commemorate the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2026. The event was held at the American Center Yangon on 30 July 2026 under the global theme "Trapped Behind the Scam."

The programme commenced with opening remarks by the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy Yangon, Eric Lindberg; the United Nations Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. in Myanmar, Gwyn Lewis; and the Chief of Mission of IOM Myanmar, Daihei Mochizuki. The speakers highlighted the increasing threat of human trafficking associated with cyber-enabled scam centres in the region and stressed the importance of enhanced regional cooperation to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.

The "Lives Behind Scam" Campaign was officially launched by the Head of Migrant Protection and Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion of IOM Myanmar, Christos Christodoulides. The campaign aims to raise awareness of fraudulent overseas employment schemes that expose individuals to human trafficking, forced labour, exploitation, and abuse in scam compounds, while promoting safe migration practices and preventive measures.

A panel discussion moderated by the Public Diplomacy Officer of the U.S. Embassy Yangon, Kelly McKay, featured the Head of Migrant Protection and Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion of IOM Myanmar, Christos Christodoulides; the Political and Economic Affairs Counsellor of the U.S. Embassy Yangon, Margo Pogorzelski; and the Managing Director – Card Business, Digital Banking and Commercial Banking of KBZ Bank, Soe Ko Ko.

The discussion focused on the evolving nature of trafficking linked to online scam operations, recruitment methods used by criminal networks through deceptive job advertisements and social media platforms, and the need for stronger cooperation among governments, law enforcement agencies, international organizations, financial institutions, and the private sector. The panel also highlighted the role of financial institutions and digital payment systems in identifying suspicious transactions related to trafficking while emphasizing the importance of awareness programmes, safe migration initiatives, victim identification, protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

The event concluded with a networking session, enabling participants to exchange views and explore possible areas of cooperation in addressing human trafficking and cyber-enabled scam operations.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka recognized the relevance of the programme in view of its continued consular efforts to assist Sri Lankan nationals affected by fraudulent employment schemes and trafficking-related incidents in Myanmar. The discussions reaffirmed the importance of preventive awareness, regional cooperation, timely information sharing, and coordinated mechanisms for victim protection and safe repatriation.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Yangon 

07 August 2026