Cambodian Royal Gendarmerie Builds Investigation Capacity to Combat Human Trafficking

Mon, 11/21/2011 - 12:12 -- iajay
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The Cambodian Royal Gendarmerie officers from across Cambodia completed a week-long training workshop (held between November 14 and November 18) in Kampong Cham on Investigation of Human Trafficking Cases.

The training was organized by the Cambodian Royal Gendarmerie in cooperation with COMMIT Cambodia under the financial and technical support of the United Nations Inter-Agency Project on Human Trafficking (UNIAP), the Somaly Mam Foundation (SMF), Asia Regional Trafficking in Persons Project (ARTIP), and trainers from the relevant Ministries of the Royal Government of Cambodia. The training covered law enforcement responses to human trafficking including the national and international legal tools, phenomena of trafficking, crime risk assessment, victim identification and support, victim interviews, and post-interview procedures, including procedures for arrest and detention of perpetrators, evidence collection, and participation in court cases.

During his opening address, H.E. Maj. Gen. Non Sokha, Deputy Commander of the Cambodian Royal Gendarmerie, extended his thanks to COMMIT Cambodia and donors for supporting and facilitating the workshop.

“Training workshops such as this one are critically important for strengthening and building capacity of law enforcement officials and ensuring the ongoing support of the counter-trafficking activities conducted by the Royal Gendarmerie of Cambodia,” H.E Non Sokha said. He encouraged participants to engage enthusiastically in the training and to apply the skills and knowledge gained in the workshop to their work, particularly in the thorough investigation of cases and support to victims of human trafficking.

At the conclusion of the week-long workshop, Brig.Gen. Kim Pheap, who assisted with the training, said, “Participants actively participated in group discussions on case studies and during Q&A sessions. I am confident that the benefits of this training will be reflected in their work in responding to anti-human trafficking efforts in Cambodia.” Capacity building plays a significant role in bridging cooperation between law enforcement officials and partners in the fight against human trafficking both in Cambodia and within the region.

For more information contact: Maj. Em Sovanna Deputy Chief of Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Bureau, Investigation and Justice.

Mr. Lim Tith National Project Coordinator