Human rights activist Mu Sochua to speak in Ridgefield, Weston

Mu Sochua (AP)

10/28/2010
Staff Report
Wilton Villager (Connecticut, USA)

RIDGEFIELD -- Mu Sochua, a Cambodian Parliamentarian and human rights activist, is scheduled to speak Nov. 14 in Ridgefield in conjunction with a documentary screening.

As part of the program, Vital Voices will present "REDLIGHT," a documentary exposing the global issue of human trafficking. The film's director, Guy Jacobson, was honored with the U.S. State Department's Global Hero Award in 2008.

Narrated by actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Lucy Liu, the film focuses on the personal stories of the victims of child sexploitation and two advocates for change: Sochua and grass-roots advocate Somaly Mam. Both have since been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and have won other human rights awards around the world.

Using footage smuggled out of the brothels and harrowing testimonials, "REDLIGHT" follows the plight of several current and former child sex slaves.

"REDLIGHT" will be shown at 4 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road, Ridgefield, followed by a question- and-answer period with Sochua. There will be an opportunity to meet Mu Sochua and filmmaker Guy Jacobson at a VIP reception beginning at 2:30 p.m. at Lounsbury House, 316 Main St., Ridgefield.

Tickets are $100 for the VIP reception and the screening; $30 for the screening only; and $15 for students. Tickets are tax-deductible.

"REDLIGHT" will also be shown at the Seabury Center, 45 Church Lane, Westport, Nov. 13. A dessert reception will be held at 7:30 p.m. Guests will have an opportunity to meet Sochua and Guy Jacobson, and purchase the work of Cambodian artisans. The film will be featured at 8 p.m., followed by a Q&A period with Mu Sochua.

Tickets for the Westport event are $100 for VIP seating and the screening; $30 for all other seats at the screening; and $15 for students. Tickets are tax-deductible.

Sochua is a Member of Parliament in Cambodia and has been an outspoken advocate for human rights for decades.

In 1972, at the age of 18, Sochua's parents put her on a flight out of war-torn Cambodia to protect her from the genocide sweeping the country. That was the last time Sochua saw her parents. Three years later they were exterminated by the Khmer Rouge. She completed her education in France and the United States and returned to her country in 1991 after 18 years in exile, six of them working with refugees along the Cambodian border.

In 1998, she was appointed the first female Minister for Women's Affairs, a position from which she battled against child abuse, violence against women, the exploitation of women workers and human trafficking.

A Member of Parliament since 2008, she has become a leading voice of the opposition against a government that she perceives as a corrupt dictatorship. She was recently threatened with imprisonment for bringing a lawsuit for defamation against the Prime Minister. Sochua continues to work tirelessly and fearlessly, often at grave personal risk, for equal rights, free speech, government transparency and a fair judicial process. She has been the recipient of many awards, including the Vital Voices Global Partnership 2005 Human Rights and Anti-Trafficking Award and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Proceeds of these events will support Mu Sochua's anti-trafficking and humanitarian work. All contributions, payable to Vital Voices Global Partnership, are tax-deductible. For more information or to order tickets, contact Roberta Cooper at (203) 227-8973 (robertacooper@optonline.net) or Giselle Mazier at (917) 816-7515 (gnamazier@mac.com). Indicate in the respones and on the check which event you will attend. Checks may be sent to Roberta Cooper c/o P.O. Box 3363 Westport, CT 06880.