PHNOM PENH, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Thursday launched here a four-year counter human trafficking program to support and coordinate Cambodia's efforts to combat all forms of human trafficking, according to a U.S. Embassy's press release.
The 5.4-million-U.S.- dollar second phase program (2012-2015) will continue efforts in the coordination, prevention, protection, and prosecution, with an expanded focus on addressing labor trafficking and exploitation, it said. The Winrock International NGO will be the program's implementer.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng, also minister of interior, said that the fight against human trafficking was still one of the top priorities for Cambodia.
"The government of Cambodia, since the past to the present, had a high commitment to fight against human trafficking in order to protect human dignity and human rights," he said. "The U.S.'s help in the field is important to end all forms of human trafficking in Cambodia."
Jeff Daigle, Charg d 'Affairs of the U.S. Embassy to Cambodia, hailed Cambodia's efforts and the progress it has made in fighting human trafficking and protecting its citizens.
"With the participation from all levels of authorities and civil society organizations, Cambodia will be able to eradicate human trafficking and the stigma and suffering that goes along with it," he said.
Poverty and lack of employment are the main causes that lead to trafficking in persons.
Jeff Daigle said that human trafficking takes on many forms. Victims are forced to work at homes, factories, on fishing boats, or in the fields by employers who keep them virtually imprisoned.
He added that some are forced into sexual service, and others into begging on the streets.
2 comments:
Another US taxpayers goes to waste in Cambodia on human trafficking controls by high ranking officers thugs and mafias. As the russian says: fish rotten from the head.
US $$ that is!!!
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