Free the Slaves, Hagar International, and Chab Dai Coalition led a discussion about the situation of modern slavery and human trafficking in Cambodia.
In today’s world, the term ‘slavery’ often conjures images of a dark past. However, this grave violation of human rights persists in contemporary society under the guise of ‘modern slavery.’ This encompasses forced labor, human trafficking, forced marriage, and various forms of exploitation. Particularly concerning is the situation in Cambodia, a country grappling with these issues on multiple fronts.
The Harsh Reality in Cambodia
According to the 2023 US Trafficking In-Persons (TIP) Report, Cambodia is classified as a Tier 3 country, indicating a severe level of human trafficking and forced labor. This classification reflects the country’s struggle to meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and its lack of significant efforts in this direction. For two consecutive years, Cambodia has remained in Tier 3, signaling an urgent need for attention and action.
Forms of Modern Slavery in Cambodia
The manifestations of modern slavery in Cambodia are diverse and deeply troubling:
- Forced Labor in Online Scams: As reported by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), individuals are coerced into participating in online scam operations.
- Debt-Bondage and Child Labor: The 2023 US TIP Report highlights the prevalence of bonded labor and child labor, particularly in brick kilns.
- Forced Marriage: There’s an alarming trend of forced marriages to individuals in neighboring countries, a concern raised by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crimes.
- Online Sexual Exploitation of Children: The Cambodia National Council of Children has pointed out the growing issue of children being exploited online.
Statistics That Cannot Be Ignored
The 2023 Global Slavery Index Report estimates that around 83,000 people in Cambodia are currently trapped in various forms of modern slavery. This staggering figure underscores the pervasive nature of the problem. Moreover, the 2023 TIP Report indicates that all 25 provinces of Cambodia are sources of human trafficking, further highlighting the widespread and systemic nature of these issues.
Modern slavery in Cambodia is not just a statistic; it’s a human crisis that demands immediate and sustained action. As a global community, it’s imperative to acknowledge these injustices and work collaboratively toward eradicating them. Raising awareness is the first step in a long journey to liberate those bound by the unseen chains of modern slavery.
To learn more about modern slavery in Cambodia, here is a fact sheet prepared by Free the Slaves, Hagar International, and Chab Dai: Download the Fact Sheet
