On Cambodia’s 18th National Day Against Human Trafficking, observed on December 12, Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated the government’s determination to prevent and combat human trafficking. Meanwhile, Minister of Interior Sar Sokha maintained that no trafficking crime bosses are operating in the country.

The day was marked under the theme “Cambodia’s Firm Stance Against All Forms and Means of Human Trafficking in the Digital Era”.

Speaking at the event, Manet acknowledged that foreign criminals have exploited Cambodia as a base for organised and complex crimes, introducing illicit activities previously unfamiliar in the country. These crimes, he said, have undermined national development, human dignity and the country’s international reputation.

"The Royal Government of Cambodia remains fully committed to decisively countering all forms of cross-border crimes, particularly human trafficking, while promoting prevention and enforcement efforts. We will continue to implement laws and mechanisms that uphold human rights,” he stated.

Manet stressed that human trafficking is a global issue requiring international cooperation rather than assigning blame to specific countries. He urged nations to collaborate in addressing trafficking issues and warned against baseless accusations that could harm regional and global partnerships.

He also pointed out specific challenges faced by Cambodia, such as the misuse of adoption provisions by traffickers. While adoption can provide orphans with loving families, some criminals exploit the system for trafficking. Similarly, international marriages, though lawful, have occasionally resulted in trafficking cases. Surrogacy, which is legal in certain countries, becomes a form of trafficking when used to smuggle babies across borders.

Manet acknowledged that the country’s reputation has been damaged by human trafficking but emphasised that international evaluations do not always reflect the country’s genuine efforts to address the issue.

“We do not deny our challenges, nor do we deny the existence of human trafficking or security issues in Cambodia. That is why we strengthen law enforcement and international cooperation. Transparency and accountability remain our priorities,” he stated.

Sokha, who chairs the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT), reported a decrease in incidents in 2024, with authorities responding promptly to reported cases.

However, he raised concerns about foreign criminals exploiting Cambodia, often luring individuals into committing crimes while masterminds remain hidden abroad.

“Let us not forget that crime bosses operate through sophisticated networks and rarely expose their presence in Cambodia. These criminals and their networks often hide in other countries while orchestrating illicit activities that victimise people in Cambodia and elsewhere,” he said.

Sokha called for enhanced international cooperation to dismantle criminal networks and prevent further victimisation.

“Only through collaboration and mutual understanding can we effectively combat human trafficking and bring the true perpetrators to justice,” he concluded.

No statistics on human trafficking cases or victims were disclosed at the event.