Phnom Penh, 3 July 2013 – The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) held a press conference this morning at its central office in Phnom Penh to address the issues of human trafficking and Cambodian migrant workers during the first semester. ADHOC expressed grave concerns pertaining to the recent increase in cases involving human trafficking and abused Cambodian migrant workers as well as the continuing and widespread impunity in such cases. During the first semester of this year, ADHOC received complaints and requests for intervention in approximately 109 cases involving human trafficking and abused migrant workers, effecting approximately 240 victims. Since the beginning of the year, ADHOC has rescued and repatriated over 80 trafficking victims, most of whom have still not received their salaries for their work.
Highlighting the concerns addressed at the press conference, victims from the Giant Ocean International Fishery Co., Ltd. – a recruitment agency accused in 2012 of trafficking hundreds of Cambodian men to work on trawlers off the coasts of South Africa, Fiji, and Singapore (among others) and subjecting their workers to harsh working conditions, forced labor, and physical abuse – spoke about their experiences working for the company. To date, the workers have received little or no compensation for their labor. ADHOC is responsible for repatriating over 120 Cambodian victims of Giant Ocean and has submitted a complaint to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court demanding salary and compensation for the workers.
With regards to such matters, in addition to other issues concerning human trafficking and Cambodian migrant workers, ADHOC released the following statement:
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For more information please contact:
Ms. Chuon Chamrong, Head of Women and Children’s Section : 012 832 069
Ms. Ly Mony, Deputy Head of Women and Children’s Section : 012 834 449
