Two
types of approaches to trafficking are especially
common: (1) women and girls are sold
to a trafficker
by a close relative or friend of the family; and
(2) women are girls are "tricked" into
going away with the trafficker on promises of a
good job,
a marriage
proposal, or a better life. More infrequently, women
and girls are kidnapped even before they are trafficked.
Surveys conducted by several Cambodian NGOs indicated
that 40%-50% of the girls are sold by family or friends
of the family. The trafficker who comes to the village
with promises of a wonderful job in the city is usually
herself a woman, more easily gaining the trust of another
woman or girl and her family. The problem of sex trafficking
in the country is not only a Cambodian problem. Research
estimates that one-third of the commercial sex workers
in Cambodia are Vietnamese.
In January 1996, Cambodia’s national assembly passed
legislation outlawing kidnapping, trafficking, and exploitation
of persons. However, NGOs report that implementation
of the law has been inconsistent. This is due in part
to confusion about how to implement the law. Most judges,
prosecutors, and court personnel are unfamiliar with
the specifics of the "trafficking" law.
Many in the judicial system argue that without further
administrative
clarification or sub-decrees there can be no effective
implementation. Others in government and the NGO
state that further clarifications or sub-decrees
are not
necessary, and that the law alone is sufficient for
sentencing.
To date, official responses to the problem have been
more punitive towards victims than towards those responsible
for trafficking. Further, public scorn of sex workers
does little to create conditions that result in more
decisive and progressive action towards this problem.
The Ministry of Women’s and Veterans’ Affairs
has taken the lead in raising awareness and publicizing
the issue. Specific initiatives include the raining
of government officials, including police and local
authorities.
Significant resources are also being devoted to spreading
information about trafficking and cultivating support
from other government offices to address the concern. |
