The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) urges the Royal Government of Cambodia to push for full investigation into the case of a Cambodian female worker who was tortured and detained in the illegal gambling establishment she was working for in Thailand.
From the 28th of November until the 17th of December 2013 she was held against her will and repeatedly beaten by her manager, who also forced her into performing degrading acts such as stripping in public and posing for semi-naked photos that were later on diffused on the Internet.
After receiving a complaint from the relatives of the victim, ADHOC provincial office in Beantey Meanchey successfully intervened with relevant institution in order to rescue the woman, who has now returned home.
ADHOC strongly condemns the use of torture and the serious attack to human dignity through degrading and humiliating treatments inflicted to the victim. Such acts are in violation of domestic and international laws such as the Cambodian Constitution and Criminal Code, the Law on Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation, the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
As for now, Thai authorities have failed to take timely action in investigating the case and in ensuring full accountability of perpetrators.
ADHOC calls for the Royal Government of Cambodia to take immediate action with the Royal Thai Government and push for the case to be fully investigated, in order to provide justice to the victim and defend her human rights and dignity.
Phnom Penh, December 20, 2013
For more information please contact:
Ms. Chuon Chamrong, Head of Women and Children’s Section : 012 73 83 87
Ms. Ly Mony, Deputy Head of Women and Children’s Section : 012 834 449
