PHNOM PENH — Cambodia has escalated its crackdown on human trafficking and sexual exploitation, managing significant interventions in the first half of 2024, according to a recent report from the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT). The nation addressed 104 incidents involving both human trafficking and sexual exploitation, leading to the rescue of 290 victims and the arrest of 134 suspects.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the detailed report released by the NCCT on Saturday highlighted that of the 104 cases, 22 involved human trafficking while the remaining 82 dealt with various forms of sexual exploitation. The report outlined a disturbing trend with nearly half of the rescued victims, totaling 134, being minors under the age of 18. Authorities noted the arrest of four foreigners among the suspects, indicating the transnational nature of these crimes.
Chou Bun Eng, the Interior Ministry’s Secretary of State and NCCT’s permanent vice-chairwoman, emphasized the link between human trafficking cases and other criminal activities such as fraud, labor disputes, and illegal immigration. She reaffirmed the royal government’s commitment to combating these violations. “The royal government will continue to do its best to eliminate all forms of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in order to promote the respect for human rights, dignity and social justice,” she stated.