Anti-trafficking laws under-enforced: NGO

Anti-trafficking laws under-enforced: NGO

The Phnom Penh Post | 4 July 2013

 

Nob Sokha, 23, (right) a victim of human trafficking, speaks during an Adhoc press conference in Phnom Penh yesterday. Photograph: Hong Menea/Phnom Penh Post

 

Rem Vannak remains in poor health after enduring about two years of 21-hour days working for no pay on a fishing boat in Fiji, where he was beaten when he complained.

Lin Yu Shin, who owns Giant Ocean – the company Vannak worked for that allegedly sold Cambodians for slave labour – now faces human trafficking charges after his arrest in May. But according to a new report from rights group Adhoc, Yu Shin’s case is a rarity, not because of his crime, but because the state is prosecuting him.

In this year’s first three months, 71 per cent of people accused of human trafficking in 109 reported cases received no punishment, the report says.

The report also mentioned that the amount of cases reported dropped by nearly half from the same period last year.

Adhoc remains deeply concerned about the impunity with which some alleged traffickers operate, as well as the physical and mental anguish their victims suffer abroad and at home, if they return, Adhoc Director Thun Saray said at a press conference at their office yesterday.

“The only action taken [in 71 per cent of cases] was the rescue of victims, while the perpetrators went unpunished,” Saray said. Meanwhile, Saray added, victims return home in poor health with no compensation for the work they provided or horror they lived through.

Another one of Yu Shin’s alleged victims is seeking compensation from the Giant Ocean owner, who allegedly paid hundreds of people nothing for years of hard labour.

“We need compensation and for sentencing and punishment by the court to come quickly,” said Nob Sokha, 23, of Kampong Speu province.

Attorney Kea Sophal said 240 alleged victims have filed suit against Yu Shin for back pay.