Chou Bun Eng, secretary of state for the Ministry of Interior and permanent vice chairperson of the NCCT, chairs a meeting to assessing the prior five-year plan’s implementation and outlining the framework for the upcoming one held on November 13. NCCT
This new plan’s introduction took place during a conference dedicated to assessing the prior five-year plan’s implementation and outlining the framework for the upcoming one held on November 13.
Chou Bun Eng, secretary of state for the Ministry of Interior and permanent vice chairperson of the NCCT, underscored the conference’s importance. She described it as a national assembly to evaluate the past plan’s performance, gather insights and data from stakeholders and lay the groundwork for the next five-year national strategic plan.
Bun Eng stressed the significance of gathering information and insights from professionals and activists engaged in anti-human trafficking efforts to craft a comprehensive plan addressing the needs of survivors.
“Cambodia has maintained stability in combating human trafficking through collaborative efforts among inter-ministerial institutions, national and international partner organisations and cooperation with other countries. These joint initiatives aim to reduce victim numbers and strive for the eradication of this crime,” she said.
The upcoming strategic plan will centre on several primary strategies, as outlined by the ministry: reinforcing collaboration in crafting and executing laws, policies and legal standards, in addition to enhancing efforts to prevent all types of human trafficking and child sexual abuse.
An additional facet concentrates on fortifying the criminal justice system’s capacity to address human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The final strategy strives to elevate survivor protection.
Am Sam Ath, operations director of rights group LICADHO, underscored the need to bolster or establish a new strategic plan to intensify efforts in preventing and combating trafficking.
He noted that the state of human trafficking in Cambodia is disconcerting, given its classification as such by the US. Reports from the UN and other international organisations have also underscored the issue.
“Therefore, Cambodia must enhance its mechanisms to combat trafficking crimes and ensure the effective implementation of the strategies formulated for the upcoming years,” he stated.
Sam Ath underscored the necessity of a national strategic plan to train more officers for human trafficking crackdowns, acknowledging the evolving nature of this crime spurred by technological advancements.
Sam Ath also advocated for robust cooperation with neighbouring countries to collectively combat human trafficking.
He pointed to the importance of international collaboration to identify and apprehend criminals attempting to enter Cambodia.
