U.S. Department of State 2001 Trafficking in Persons Report - Cambodia

Cambodia (Tier 2)

Cambodia is a source, destination, and transit country for trafficked persons. Trafficking is both domestic and international. Cambodian men, women, and children are trafficked internationally, principally to Thailand for the purpose of sexual exploitation and for various forms of bonded labor, including street begging. Cambodia is a destination country for young women and girls from Vietnam, who are trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation. Internally, children and adults from the poorer rural areas of Cambodia are trafficked to Phnom Penh and other commercial areas for sexual exploitation and forced labor.

The Royal Cambodian Government (RCG) does not yet fully meet the minimum standards; however, the Government is making significant efforts to combat trafficking, despite limited resources. It acknowledges the seriousness of the trafficking problem and has passed a trafficking in persons statute, which has a penalty stiffer than those for rape and sexual assault. However, implementing legislation has not been passed, and lack of prosecutorial resources prevents enforcement. Severe resource limitations hamper all aspects of civil governance. The Government has developed a 5-year plan to stop child sexual exploitation through information campaigns and law enforcement, and the Prime Minister's office also is engaged in the issue. The Government is working with NGO's and donor countries to carry out elements of this plan. With NGO funding, some centers help returning and freed victims with reintegration. However, civil society groups, NGO's, international organizations, and donor countries find that all efforts to combat trafficking are seriously undermined by a combination of weak institutions and pervasive corruption. The Government cooperates with the governments of Thailand, the United States, and Australia on trafficking cases.