THE government has rejected a report by the United States that accuses Myanmar of having failed to take the minimum action necessary to eradicate human trafficking.

The accusation is made against Myanmar and nine other countries in a report issued by the US State Department on June 14.

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In a statement issued on June 17, the government said it was doing everything possible to prevent and stop human trafficking.

Myanmar was cooperating with international, regional and national non-government organisations to combat human trafficking as a “national obligation and cause,” the statement said.

However, sanctions imposed on Myanmar by the US were hampering efforts to prevent the trafficking of people, it said.

“Trade and economic sanctions imposed on Myanmar by the US undermine our economy and take away resources that could be used to fight human trafficking effectively, help the victims and prevent potential victims from being exploited,” the statement said.

It accused the US of unfairly blaming the problem on developing countries without accepting its responsibility in fight against human trafficking.

It also accused Washington of promoting poverty and unemployment in developing countries by imposing sanctions.

It said poverty and unemployment was “the main cause for women and children in becoming prey for human traffickers”.

“The government would like to request Washington to honestly examine the effectiveness of its own policies,” said the statement, which called on the US to adopt a fresh approach in dealing with Myanmar.

“The negative approach of sanctions and isolation is a “lose-lose” strategy for both America and Myanmar,” the statement said.

“Helping us along the road map to democracy will result in a better world for all of us,” it said.