The following are the questions and answers made at the press conference on undertakings carried out in education, health and social affairs sectors of the State held in Nay Pyi Taw at the Ministry of Health on 28th November 2006.

I would like to ask the MPF Director-General about the problem of narcotics. I heard the country is solving this problem in cooperation with the international community and achieving success. Some places have been declared drug free zones. But our country is still being criticized for the problem. Besides, narcotic drugs are still being trafficked and arrests made in the country. Why is it so?
Another question is that according to the MPF DG, Kyaw Myint sold about 90 women to contacts in China. Fatty (a) Ye Myo also sold 14 others to that country. In those cases, some of them were rescued. What I also heard is that foreigners are using the children for sexual abuses. How long has it happened so? Are there any other persons to be arrested?

MPF Director General:
In connection with the smuggling of narcotics in our country, already-processed drugs such as heroin, Ice and methamphetamine tablets cannot be produced in our country alone. I have mentioned about it repeatedly. I think to produce such kinds of drugs we need precursor chemicals. Myanmar as a developing nation cannot produce precursor chemicals. So, we cannot say that narcotic drugs are produced by our country alone. Precursor chemicals can be smuggled into the country via the other country. In this way narcotic drugs are there in our country. To solve this problem the State has laid down a 15-year project from 1999 to 2014. ASEAN's goal of setting up drug free region is in 2015. But our goal will be achieved in 2014, one year earlier than that of ASEAN.
There was accusation against our country concerning the problem of narcotics in the American annually issued Periodical Determination publication. No matter how we’ve been accused, we will continue our efforts to make the country the drug free one by 2014. They are pointing the accusing finger at us from their own point of view.
Regarding the problem of human trafficking, especially child sex abuse, that problem emerged in the country in 2001. But the world had seen the problem earlier. It is very common on the Internet. During the year of 2003, MPF Headquarters in collaboration with Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested a German on charges of child sex abuse.
However, he was deported as he was infected with HIV. Again, we were able to arrest Myat Ko's gang induding the leader. The gang is made up of 21 brokers and 11 foreigners. We got the name list of some of the foreigners. Action has been taken against the brokers. Human trafficking, in other words, is exploitation. It also connects with sexual exploitation and labour exploitation. Human smuggling and human trafficking are different. Human smuggling means sending one illegally to another country by charging money in violation of the existing law of that country. There is no exploitation in this case. But there is exploitation in human trafficking. Now those children are sexually exploited. So, this case is described as human trafficking. According to the confession of the arrested brokers, there are more persons to be arrested and interrogated. Trafficking inpersons has links with global tourism. It is mostly common in places like beach resorts and hotels. Each year, some 50 million tourists come to Asia. Myanmar started to experience this problem via the Internet used by some unscrupulous tourists making full use of advancing information technology. This year, the dangerous person who persuaded tourists coming to the country to abuse child is Mya Ko now under arrest. He was brought up by a German and his education is only the forth standard. He was sent to Thailand and Germany. He was trained to use the Internet and speak English. He did his job on the Internet by offering the illegal market of this country to the other country. He is expected to be 19 now.

Brig-Gen Khin Yi :
As I have already explained, the main difference between human trafficking and human smuggling is exploitation. Human trafficking is selling, buying and handing over people by persuation with the intention of exploitation. In the case of human traffficking, the person who traffics exploits the one who is trafficked. Here, the exploitation can be either sexual exploitation or labour exploitation. The former does not give in full what the latter deserves. In the case of smuggling, there is no exploitation. For instance, a person wants to go abroad to work. At this, a broker offers to send him by taking fees for his service. In such a case, there is no exploitation but there is a breach of existing immigration act. I think you will understand the difference between human trafficking and human smuggling. Now I will explain how action is taken regarding human trafficking. The human trafficking law was enacted in Myanmar on 13 September, 2005. Before that, a person who committed human trafficking had to face a charge of persuasion under Section 366 and the maximum penalty carries from five years in prison or transportation. Since 13 September, 2005, human trafficking can carry life imprisonment. At present, 44 offenders in 36 cases are being tried in accord with the new law. One of them has been sentenced. According to the new law, an offender can be given life imprisonment. In addition, his property and asset can be confiscated if they are related with human trafficking. Regarding the dimensions of human trafficking in Myanmar, it is not as dangerous as in other countries. Most countries in the world, especially some neighbouring countries, are vulnerable to this crime. There are also two or three vulnerable countries in ASEAN. Most of the people who commit this crime are from the west. They usually have same- sex relationship. Most foreigners who come here ntend to sexually abuse children and youths. At first, they committed such crimes in other countries. Now they have come to our country with this ulterior motive. We think that same sex crimes arose starting from 2001. The first time we exposed such a crime was in 2003. According to our network, there are some brokers in addition to the 21-broker gang we have exposed. And, in our country, human trafficking is most in border areas and it is rare in inland areas. Therefore, we can say that human trafficking has not yet become a national threat. In connection with human trafficking, the government is cooperating with related organizations especially ARCPPT in Asian region under the four strategies. We handle the matter under the four-P strategy. The four Ps are Prevention, Prosecution, Protection and Policy and International Cooperation. Awareness system is being launched in the country. Related ministries also conduct workshops on human trafficking. Over 500 MPF members have been trained to handle the human trafficking. Task forces were deployed in nine hot spot areas in the country. Awareness system includes the media and distribution of pamphlets. Regarding the prosecution, we have taken action against more than 1,600 people. Moreover, we are taking preventive measures. Finally, we are cooperating with international community in accordance with the policy and international cooperation strategy.The human trafficking is a kind of transnational crime, it is the concern of all nations in the world. Therefore, it cannot be handled by any individual country alone. Even in a country, it is the concern of all the people, all NGOs and all UN agencies here. It can be regarded as an international organized crime and must be tackled accordingly.

U Myo Thu (Hmukhin Shudaunk Journal):
I’d like to ask Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig- Gen Khin Yi whether ICRC would be allowed to visit prisons or not in future because I heard that ICRC has not been allowed to visit the prisons. There are accusations against the prison system of Myanmar. So, I’d like to know how about the prison system of Myanmar.

Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi
It does not mean that we do not allow ICRC to visit the prisons. Any organization or agency can perform their services in designated regions in accordance with rules and regulations laid down by the Government. At present, NGOs, such as Myanmar Women’s Affairs Organization, Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Union Solidarity and De velopment Association visit the prisons and provided assistance to them. It does not mean that we marginalize the ICRC and carry out its tasks. We are responsible for these tasks. ICRC and other organizations would observe rules and regulations of our country. If they fail to observe the rules and regulations, they may be prohibited from visits to prisons.
NGOs in Myanmar have provided social assistance, provision and medicines to prisoners. We did it on our own responsibilities. We don’t need to explain these activities if there are not false accusations against the prison condition. We will also clarify the false accusation against the Government in the media. News of the activities of the Prisons Department were also put in the dailies.

U Kyaw Soe of Live News Journal:
I would like to know matters related to health sector. I heard a foreign radio had broadcast that Japan will donate US$ 2.6 million to combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases of Myanmar through UNICEF. Please tell me about it.

Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint:
Japanese Government hadn’t provided such assistance for HIV/ AIDS to Myanmar. However, UNICEF officials and the Japanese Ambassador signed an agreement recently. Japan will donate cash to the fund of UNICEF, and then UNICEF will manage the fund on health matters of Myanmar.

Director-General of MPF Brig-Gen Khin Yi:
Currently, there are changes in focal point as to contacting the five field offices of ICRC in the country. We are considering new rules and regulations for foreign organizations. So, their functions are just temporarilly suspended.

Daw Aye Aye Win (AP News Agency):
Is it so? But what I learnt is that they were ordered to close down. Why? What I understand is that their operations were suspended because of the new regulation.

Director-General of MPF Brig-Gen Khin Yi:
The new regulation is under consideration. We have not ordered them to close own. It is just a short period of time in order to avoid complications to their obligations before the new regulation is promulgated.

Daw Aye Aye Win (AP News Agency):
Is it possible to reopen their offices?

Director-General of MPF Brig-Gen Khin Yi:
I will tell you at oppurtune time.

Daw Aye Aye Win (AP News Agency):
I would like to know the government's opinion about the forced labour in Myanmar accused by ILO in International Criminal Court.

Director-General of MPF Brig-Gen Khin Yi:
General Administration Deaprtment under the Ministry of Home Affairs plus the Ministry of Labour are now trying to settle the matters of forced labour. We are tackling this problem in accord with the rules and regulations and directives of our country.

Let me ask you about trafficking in persons. I understand if anyone trafficks in women, children and youths, the person will be sentenced to 10 years’ or life imprisonment. I think there will be some difference in imprisonment if somebody trafficks other persons except women, youths and children. Please tell me the differences of imprisonment.

MPF Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi:
The imprisonment for trafficking in women, children and youth is similar to that of other persons. In reviewing facts and figures for three years, I counted equal number of men and women under trafficking and sentence of imprisonment. The law concerning trafficking in persons was promulgated on 13 September 2005. Before the law, the vocabulary on trafficking in person was called human seduction. In this regard, the person would be sentenced to imprisonment from 5 years’ to life sentence. Now, action will be taken against the offender to the life sentence under the new law. Therefore, the person is to serve the whole life for the case until he die. Gender will not be discriminated in the law.

I would like to ask you three questions. The first is that an uncle and anephew fell in a well and they were killed in Pyinmana recently. You visited the scene. I want to know the case because the well is only13 inches wide. A fire broke out in Botahtaung Township recently. Some reporters took photos of the fire and they were interrogated in the township that night. I would like to know whether a reporter can take the photo of outbreak of fire in Yangon or not. And can we take photos in Nay Pyi Taw when we cover the news?

MPF Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi:
Both uncle and his nephew lost their lives when they fell in the well. I did visit the scene of crime as it happened in Nay Pyi Taw. An inquest was made as there were no injuries on their bodies. The police filed the case and investigated it. According to the investigation, it is impossible to fall into the 13-inch wide well. But a child can fall into the well. The man may fall into the well while he was rescuing the child. According to the investigation by the doctor, there were no injuries on the bodies caused by a thing. The two persons were killed due to the lack of oxygen. The case is still under investigation.
Photo can be taken anywhere except restricted or security areas. When we asked the reporter we could know where or when or from what angle he shot. Action will be taken against those who are involved in outbreak of the fire. There is no reason for the reporter to face action against him if he is not guilty. Photo can be taken in Nay Pyi Taw if the area is not restricted. Someareas of the armed forces cannot be shot.

U Zeya Myat Khaing (Gita Journal):
I would like to ask the Minister for Health. What kind of permission is given to the medical companies regarding the import of HIV medicine?

Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint:
Food and Drug Administration is formed under the ministry. The FDA laid down policies in connection with the import of new medicine and the imported medicines were tested by Drug Administrative Committee (DAC). If the medicines are potent and they have no side effects, the DAC recommends that the company can import the medicine. The inspection team also inspects the imported medicine and price. If everything is OK, I sign it and registration certificate is issued to the company. Medicine importing team also decides that the price is reasonable or not. Then I approve their recommendation.

MPF Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi:
The Government is questioning five ‘88 generation students’ including Min Ko Naing till today about their participation in security and explosive matters. Indeed, they were remanded in custody to prove that we do not keep anyone in custody illegally. Decision will be made to take action against them depending on their participation in security and explosive matters. If necessary, we will make official clarification on their case.

U Aung Thu Myaing (Ji Ji News Agency):
First, I would like to ask you, Minister for Education. Please, tell me grading of Myanmar’s education standard at the international level. Is there corruption at the ministry? If it is, will you have any arrangement to take action against offenders?

Minister for Education Dr Chan Nyein:
Matters related to Myanmar’s education standard was included in my report. Both basic and higher education are being upgraded to meet the international standard. The task is also included in the teaching course. The Head of State has given guidance with regard to the education standard. Hence, teachers are being trained for upgrading the basic education sector from the primary to the matriculation.
We are upgrading curricula and syllabus yearly, and providing refresher courses for the teachers. Likewise, teachers at universities are assigned duties to do researches in cooperation with international institutions. Therefore, Myanmar is gaining progress of education standard day by day. One day, we will achieve the aim of upgrading the education standard at regional and international levels. With regard to corruption, teachers may involve in the corruption cases concerning tuition and others. As far as I know, the corruption is being combated clearly after I have taken responsibility of Minister for Education. Now, the task of combating corruption continues. However, there are about 250,000 education staff in the basic education and over 20,000 in the higher education. Action is being taken against those involved in the corruption. At present, both teachers and students are abiding by respective disciplines systematically.

U Ko Ko (Flower News Journal):
I’d like to know the three most common diseases in Myanmar and whether there was a plan for fighting these diseases. I’d like to know if there was corruption in the Ministry of Health. If so, how about a plan to fight the corruption?

Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint:
Most are seasonal diseases, for example, diarrhoea which breaks out during the rainy season. However, Disease of National Concern are HIV/AIDS, Malaria and TB. There are also diarrhea and hypatitis. Concerning the second question, there is a few cases of corruptions in the ministry. Actions are taken against corrupt employees after being investigated. The ministry also transfers and dismisses corrupt employees if their cases are serious.

U Ko Ko (Flower News Journal):
I’d like to know the three most common crimes in Myanmar and if there were political prisoners in Myanmar. How do you define a political prisoner? I’d like to know if there was corruption in the Ministry of Home Affairs. If there was, how about a plan to fight the corruption?

Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi:
According to the annual report, the first most common crime is the murder case and those who were involved in murder cases are not premeditated ones. The second is the theft case and the third is the cases of harm and injury. There is no political prisoners in Myanmar. However, a person of a political party will be jailed if he breaks the law. Therefore, prisoners are not designated as political prisoners.
There are four institutions under the Ministry of Home Affairs. They are Myanmar Police Force, Prisons Department, Bureau of Special Investigation and General Administration Department. May be there are corruptions in the departments. The ministry set up hot lines for the people to inform the officials concerned of the ministry about the corruption and malpractices in the ministry. In the letters sent to the ministry, most people called for arresting the culprits. There is a few cases of corruption. If there is a corruption case, we investigate the case and actions are taken against corrupt employees.

U Ko Ko ( Flower News Journal):
Rumours are abroad that the basic education examinations will be held before earlier than usual in 2007 because of some important matter of the State. Is it true? Concerning the public health care, patients are complaining about services and relations of private hospitals and clinics. I would like to know how the Ministry of Health is trying to handle the situation. Is there any law and action to be taken by the ministry?

Education Minister Dr Chan Nyein:
Rumour is amatter of irritation for our country. Ministry of Education always announces every matter officially. We have never made prompt announcements. We do everything giving enough time in line with the rules and regulations.

Health Minister Dr Kyaw Myint:
It is true that private hospitals and clinics are overcharging for their services. We have known weak points on health care and service charges. This is a good question. Laws on private hospitals and clinics will be promulgated in the near future.