Two Cambodian women (left), reportedly sisters, appealed for help after claiming they had been trafficked to China. The woman on the right is the older sister, after being rescued. Touch Sokhak social media
Two women, claiming to be sisters, made a desperate appeal for help in a short video posted on social media, claiming they had been tricked and sold into human trafficking by a Chinese man.
Their plea quickly gained attention, prompting immediate action from Cambodian and Chinese authorities to locate and rescue the pair.
In the 28-second clip, one of the women shared, “My sister and I were tricked by a trafficker and sold to a Chinese man. Now, we are talking in the bathroom. Please! Help us!” The video revealed their distress as they faced the threat of being sold to Chinese bosses after initially being hired.
This heart-wrenching video led to swift intervention by Cambodian Minister of Interior Sar Sokha, who, along with the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT), worked closely with officials from the Cambodian embassy in China and Chinese law enforcement agencies to track down and secure the women.
Interior ministry spokesman Touch Sokhak reported yesterday on May 11 that, through swift action, Chinese authorities identified the location where the victims were being held, although the details of their release have yet to be confirmed.
“We expect the two women to be freed and safely returned to Cambodia soon,” Sokhak said, emphasising the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation between the two nations in addressing human trafficking.
Sokha also issued a warning to the public, urging citizens — particularly women and teenage girls — to be cautious of fraudulent schemes, including promises of well-paying jobs, marriages to Chinese men or offers of a luxurious lifestyle.
These deceptive tactics are commonly used to exploit vulnerable individuals, with the goal of trafficking them into forced labour or abusive marriages.
The NCCT has reported significant progress in combating human trafficking in Cambodia.
In the first half of 2024 alone, authorities cracked down on 104 cases of trafficking and sexual exploitation.
A total of 134 suspects were arrested, including four foreigners, while 290 victims, including 241 women, were rescued.
The increase in trafficking cases has been concerning, with many Cambodian women being trafficked to China under the guise of arranged marriages.
“This trend, which gained momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic, has led to reports of abuse and mistreatment, particularly in rural areas of China,” according to the report “Cambodia’s Trafficked Brides: The escalating phenomenon of forced marriage in China, published in May 2022”.
The Cambodian government has intensified its efforts to address this issue, collaborating with international organisations and partners to reduce trafficking risks and ensure that victims are protected and brought to safety.
A report produced in partnership with Child Helpline Cambodia (CHC) sheds light on the growing crisis of Cambodian women trafficked for forced marriages.
The study examines the recruitment tactics used by traffickers, the routes taken and the profiles of victims, highlighting the exploitation of women who are lured with promises of employment opportunities.
With the rise in demand for wives in rural China, fuelled by the country’s former one-child policy, many Cambodian women fall prey to deceptive schemes that end with them being sold or coerced into marriage with Chinese men.
The report also emphasised how the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened these trafficking dynamics.
