UNIAP Cambodia

The Trafficking Situation

Human trafficking in Cambodia is far from a homogenous phenomenon. Trafficking networks in Cambodia range from small-scale ad hoc activities to large-scale and well-organised operations.

Cambodia now experiences significant internal and cross-border trafficking, and is a country of origin, transit and destination. Cambodia's turbulent history has impacted significantly on human trafficking trends. Societal structures and traditions, such as the centrality of the family, the Buddhist religion and respect for elders, have been undermined. While peace has returned, the impact of the violence on society and communities is still visible.

Limited opportunity for education and vocational training has created a large pool of unskilled workers seeking employment. The lack of viable employment opportunities in Cambodia and the inadequacy of rural farming options for supporting families have encouraged many Cambodians to seek employment elsewhere, often resulting in irregular and uninformed internal and cross-border migration which renders them vulnerable to traffickers.

Some commonly cited causes to explain the emergence and detection of human trafficking in Cambodia include the arrival of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC); uneven economic development from the influx of foreign currency; corruption; discrimination and gender inequality; increasing scarcity of productive agricultural land; natural disasters; debt pressures; inadequacy of safe and legal avenues for migration; and increased tourism.

Approximately 50 per cent of the current population in Cambodia is below 20 years of age. 150,000 to 175,000 people join the labour force annually and this is expected to increase to over 200,000 by 2010. At present, the job creation rate does not support the increasing labour supply. The urgent need for more legal employment opportunities is a significant concern given current economic conditions, which have seen the closure of garment factories and a significant decline in construction work. Previously, international employment opportunities were the most viable solution to an increasingly burgeoning labour supply, however current economic conditions have also impacted on the availability of international work. Current trends indicate that workers are shifting to higher risk sectors such as the entertainment industry, working in establishments such as karaoke bars and beer gardens.