Cambodia Strengthens Crackdown on Human Trafficking Crimes

HANOI – Cambodian authorities on Thursday reaffirmed that the country intensified efforts to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation last year, recording 197 cases, a 20 percent increase compared to 164 cases the previous year.

According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Secretary of State at the Ministry of Interior and Standing Vice Chairperson of the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT), Chou Bun Eng, said enforcement agencies arrested 273 suspects, including 30 foreign nationals, and rescued 523 victims.

She expressed concern over the rise in child trafficking and sexual exploitation, both online and offline.

Out of the rescued victims, 230 were children under the age of 18, accounting for nearly 44 percent of all cases.

Human trafficking cases in Cambodia are often linked to fraud, labor disputes, illegal employment, and unauthorized border crossings.

Bun Eng stressed the government’s commitment to eradicating all forms of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, in defense of human rights and social justice.

Last month, Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated Cambodia’s firm stance against abduction, cybercrime, and human trafficking, vowing to take tough action against all related criminal activities.

— BERNAMA