Your Excellency Khim Bun Song, Governor of Siem Reap

Your Excellency Em Phalla Mony, Deputy Governor

Ladies and gentlemen

Good Afternoon on behalf of U.S. people

I am honored to be here this afternoon in recognition of Cambodia’s National Day against Trafficking.  I would like to recognize the Provincial Committee to Combat Human Trafficking who have worked closely with our partner – Winrock International – to make this event a reality.  Too many Cambodians continue to be pushed into situations where they are easily exploited or trafficked.   We need to recommit our collective energy to ensure those situations are a thing of the past.

There is still more work to be done in every country, including the United States, to put an end to human trafficking.  That is why we will continue to support efforts by the Royal Government of Cambodia and civil society to increase efforts to combat all forms of human trafficking.  We will also assist survivors to continue beyond their suffering and move forward with their lives.

Governments, especially at the provincial and commune levels play an important role in preventing trafficking, raising awareness, helping survivors, and prosecuting traffickers.  I am pleased that Winrock and the Siem Reap Provincial Committee have begun work to educate communities throughout the province so that young people can get the information they need to make more informed migration decisions.  Additional effort is now needed to improve the services available to trafficking survivors to live healthy and productive lives.  We also encourage the Royal Government to strengthen its efforts to investigate and prosecute such offenders. 

I am here today because the United States government is committed to upholding the fundamental and universal rights that all people deserve to live with dignity, work in freedom, and pursue their dreams. 

While we all know that human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery, many people do not fully realize its scope or how threatening it really is.  It is a crime against humanity that affects men, women, boys, and girls.  The young are disproportionately affected.  Even though trafficking is a worldwide phenomenon, Cambodians remain particularly vulnerable.  

The factors that make many Cambodians vulnerable to trafficking are complicated.  Poverty is no doubt a clear reason why many people choose to migrate abroad even when it can be risky.  Traffickers are masters at exploiting people’s desire to lead better lives, to escape from poverty, and unemployment.  When people are desperate for opportunities, they may make risky decisions and fall prey to traffickers.  The Royal Government recently announced a number of new policies aimed at protecting migrant workers.  This is encouraging.  We look forward to the full enforcement of these policies and the increased protection of Cambodian workers abroad.  We stand ready to assist where we can.   

But let’s remember that it’s not only about governments.  We urge you all to be aware and take action.  Do your research before traveling.  Understand the risks and take measures to reduce them.  Let your friends and family know about the dangers and how to protect themselves.  Report instances of trafficking, whether they occur in factories, households, at an entertainment venue, or anywhere else.

We are here together with you this evening to sound the message that we want to end exploitation and trafficking.

I wish you all the best and thank you for your participation and commitment to end human trafficking.