Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Trafficking victim support workshop held

Trafficking victim support workshop held

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Social Affairs ministry held a workshop to announce directives on assistance for human trafficking victims in Sihanoukville on February 15. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Trafficking victim support workshop held

The Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation and several partner organisations held a February 15 workshop to share details of a circular which described procedures for dealing with the victims of human trafficking.

The event, held in Preah Sihanouk province’s Sihanoukville, was presided over by Vong Soth, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation.

Ministry spokesman Touch Channy said the ministry and its partners – Australia Aid and Rattankak International – selected Preah Sihanouk province as it was a frequent target for anti-trafficking operations.

He explained that the circular – dated December 26, 2022 – outlined guidelines for managing victims of trafficking or exploitation, whether in government centres, NGOs or the community.

“The goal of the workshop was to introduce the correct forms and procedures for dealing with victims, and managing their return to society. There are several distinct stages of procedure, and each has its own paperwork that must be completed,” he said.

“In short, we provided guidance on these procedures for those in work with or provide support services to the victims of trafficking or exploitation. The first stage is pre-integration, and the second is integration. Third stage requires that we monitor their progress, while offering support. Finally, there is a specific process that must be completed to close each case,” he added.

Heak Himolly, deputy provincial governor of Preah Sihanouk, said she was not able to attend the workshop, but she said provincial authorities worked very hard to assist the victims of trafficking crimes.

“We always help them as much as we can. It is important to us that no one is left behind,” she said.

Am Sam Ath, deputy director of rights group Licadho, said that selecting this province for the workshop was an excellent move by authorities. As far as he was aware, trafficking cases were significantly higher there than anywhere else in the Kingdom.

“Once the guidelines have been widely shared, it is very important that there are monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure that that they are effective. This is an important point, and I hope it was considered,” he added.

“Implementing these procedures transparently and consistently is crucial. In the past, we have seen very different outcomes from trafficking cases in Preah Sihanouk province. I believe additional assistance may be necessary for victims,” he continued.

He said clear procedures were likely to contribute to reducing trafficking crimes.

MOST VIEWED

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • Hun Sen warns of regional tensions

    ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans

  • Waterway job still pending for Kampot tourism port’s opening

    The search is still on for a contractor to expand and deepen the Kampot International Tourism Port’s waterway and deliver additional enhancements allowing safe access for larger vessels, nearly a year after the main construction work on the 4.25ha site was completed on June 30, 2022.