In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 21 - 22 November 2012, the Inter-Ministerial Delegations from the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Government of Malaysia met to discuss the draft “Memorandum of Understanding between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Government of Malaysia on Cooperation in Combating Trafficking in Persons."
Key officials in the fight against human trafficking from both governments, including United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), attended.
From the official COMMIT press release:
Human Trafficking is a transnational crime that requires transnational dialogue, cooperation and action between origin and and destination countries. In recent years, the Royal Government of Cambodia, with support from development partners, have invested much effort to enhance collaboration with neighboring countries to fight trafficking in persons, especially women and children and ensure protection of victims through establishment of bilateral MOUs.
In 2012, the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam signed the amendments to the agreement on bilateral cooperation for eliminating trafficking in persons. And the government initiated the talk with its Thailand counterpart to discuss for amendments on Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in counter-trafficking, which it signed in 2003.
Today, the Inter-Ministerial Delegations of Cambodia and Malaysia and development partners exchanged experiences and shared information on the international and national legal framework and procedures and possible solutions to overcome challenges.
“Despite efforts and progresses made to protect victims of trafficking so far, more issues and challenges remain to be overcome. Priority should be given to strengthen cooperation in both countries as a shared commitment between countries through having a Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation in combating trafficking in persons.” H.E. Mme Chou Bun Eng, Secretary of State of Ministry of Interior and Chair of the National Committee to Lead the Suppression of Trafficking, Smuggling, Labor Exploitation and Sexual Exploitation in Women and Children stated.
Mdm. Syuhaida binti Abdul Wahab Zen, Deputy Undersecretary International Division Ministry of Home Affairs, Malaysia hopes that outcome of the remarkable cooperation of discussion of both governments, Cambodia and Malaysia, will establish tools to work together to build stronger forces to combat human trafficking in both countries.
This important event is organized by the Ministry of Women’s Afairs and chaired by H.E San Arun, Secretary of State, Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Chair of COMMIT Cambodia, with support from the UNIAP and UNICEF and some international organizations, including the Somaly Mam Foundation in the US.