Water prisons, torture: UN urges crackdown on brutal Southeast Asia scam centres
South China Morning Post
by Agence France-PresseFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The UN human rights agency has issued a stark call to action against Southeast Asia's growing network of scam centers, where hundreds of thousands of individuals are subjected to forced labor, torture, and severe abuse. A newly released report exposes harrowing conditions, including sexual exploitation, forced abortions, food deprivation, and solitary confinement. These centers operate with alarming impunity, preying on vulnerable populations and perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and suffering.
The report highlights how these scam centers have flourished across Southeast Asia, often operating as pseudo-educational or vocational training facilities that mask their true purpose. Victims are frequently lured with false promises of jobs or better opportunities, only to be forced into labor against their will. The UN’s findings reveal a disturbing pattern of systemic abuse, with survivors recounting tales of physical and psychological torment. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, described the scale of suffering as both staggering and heartbreaking, urging governments to take decisive action to dismantle these centers.
This issue is not just a regional problem but a global human rights crisis that demands immediate attention. The UN report underscores the urgent need for stronger legal frameworks, increased law enforcement collaboration, and greater international accountability. By addressing these centers head-on, governments can help break the cycle of exploitation and provide justice for victims. This is not only a matter of human dignity but also a critical step toward combating trafficking and ensuring that vulnerable populations are protected from further harm.
The UN’s appeal comes at a time when global awareness of human rights abuses is growing, making this issue particularly relevant to readers interested in world affairs. By shedding light on the hidden suffering of those trapped in these centers, the report serves as a call to action for governments and the international community to prioritize human rights and take decisive steps to end this scourge. The stakes are high, but collective efforts can help bring an end to these atrocities and restore hope to those who have been forced into these nightmarish conditions.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/20/2026