The Cambodian and United States governments announced the second phase of their anti-human trafficking project at the US Embassy in Phnom Penh on September 12.

According to the embassy, the US government will provide $4.5 million over the next three years to help prevent human trafficking, protect victims, prosecute traffickers and facilitate the reintegration of victims.

The project will broaden the scope of previous work in Cambodia to curb trafficking of adults and children for sex, labor, begging and other forms of exploitation.

"The Ministry of Interior is fully committed to combating the heinous and inhuman crime of human trafficking," said Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng.

Since 2003 the US has provided about $5 million to support Cambodian counter-trafficking programs. The Asia Foundation will implement the program, which will include various NGOs as project partners.