H.E. Sar Kheng, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and the Chair of the National Committee for Counter Trafficking

H.E. Chuo Bun Eng, Permanent Vice Chair of National Committee

H.E. General Thong Sam Art, General Secretary to the National Committee, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen

I am honored to be here this afternoon in recognition of this great new initiative for Cambodia’s National Committee for Counter Trafficking.  I would like to thank the National Committee and our respective Cambodia government counterparts for their collaboration with USAID and Winrock International to increase national and international efforts to fight human trafficking.

We recognize that the National Plan of Action to Combat Human Trafficking was created by a highly consultative process with all the relevant ministries, non-governmental organizations, and donors.  Clearly, this National Plan of Action demonstrates how a strong partnership between government, civil society and others can lead to more effective counter human trafficking efforts.   The U.S. government both applauds and encourages these types of engagements that bring government,  civil society and Cambodia citizens together to address critical development challenges in Cambodia.

We are also very pleased to see the Royal Government has supported this new National Plan of Action with significantly increased resources, particularly with dedicated staff from a variety of ministries, to serve on the National Committee to counter trafficking-in-persons.  The new National Plan of Action represents an important step forward in Cambodia’s commitment to addressing trafficking-in-persons.  Thank you, Your Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng (SAR KENG), for your support to this important effort.

As many as 27 million men, women, and children may be essentially enslaved in sex or labor exploitation worldwide.  However, we do know that human trafficking can thrive in areas of poverty and insecurity that affects men, women and children in every country in the world.  This crime is linked to many of the development challenges we face every day - from limited employment opportunities and access to education, to the fragile rule of law.  The U.S. government’s efforts globally to combat human trafficking are indicative of our work and commitment here in Cambodia.

Since its inception in 2009, the U.S. government has been providing unwavering support and technical assistance to the National Committee.  Even before its inception, since 2004, we have worked with a wide variety Cambodian individuals and institutions including national and subnational level government representatives, civil society, police, academic institutions, and citizens seeking to eradicate trafficking-in-persons in Cambodia. 

With the launch of this National Plan of Action, we can all appreciate just how far we have come.  That said, we still have much more to do.  I would also like to take this opportunity to urge the Royal Government of Cambodia to develop and approve formal guidelines for undercover investigative authority; to enforce migration related policies; and enhance collection prosecution data.   It is also important that the Royal Government of Cambodia make the migration of Cambodian workers to other countries safe, smart and transparent as well as be ready to facilitate the rescue and repatriation of Cambodian victims of trafficking.  All of these efforts can only enhance our efforts to combat human trafficking.   The U.S. government is ready to help wherever we can.

While Cambodia’s fight against trafficking in person has gained much momentum over the past ten years, none of this would be possible without the support of the Royal Government of Cambodia.  I very much appreciate the Government’s efforts in developing their national strategy and legal frameworks all of which are critical components in the fight against human trafficking.   In order to ultimately achieve the goals of this strategy, we encourage the Royal Government of Cambodia to fully enforce these legal frameworks and policies.

I would like to recognize our partner, Winrock International, which has worked closely with the Cambodian government and our fellow development partners over the past year to help make the national strategy a reality.  The strategy marks a new stage in the fight against trafficking and we will continue to work with Winrock and all other partners in this important effort.

The U.S. government recognizes the many people and organizations that are working to combat human trafficking.  We stand committed to bringing an end to this egregious human rights abuse here in Cambodia and elsewhere around the world.

Thank you.