Amnesty International Report Reveals Human Trafficking and Forced Labor in Cambodian Labor Camps

Overview of Findings

Amnesty International published a comprehensive report on Thursday highlighting severe human rights abuses in Cambodian labor camps. The report, titled “I was someone else’s property”, documents widespread human trafficking, slavery, and forced labor within these compounds. The findings underscore urgent needs for intervention and align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Key Testimonies and Conditions

1. Amnesty interviewed 58 survivors of trafficking, many deceived by false promises of legitimate employment.
2. Victims were confined in prison-like labor compounds with multiple security perimeters and restricted access.
3. Many were forced to participate in scams under threats of violence, including beatings and torture.
4. Minors, including children seeking holiday work, were among those exploited.

Extent of Abuses

• 32 individuals met international definitions of slavery.
• 40 survivors reported experiencing torture, often as punishment for failing work quotas or attempting to contact authorities.

Government Response and Accountability

The report criticizes the Cambodian government for systemic failure to investigate and address human trafficking and related abuses. Key issues include:

• Authorities allegedly permitting ongoing violations.
• Persecution of critics and human rights defenders.
• Police collaboration with compound managers, resulting in lack of prosecution against offenders.

This lack of accountability undermines SDG 16, which calls for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

International Concerns and Calls for Action

Earlier in 2025, UN experts expressed alarm over large-scale human trafficking in Southeast Asia, describing the situation as a “humanitarian and human rights crisis.” They urged the global community to:

• Implement human rights-based actions to protect victims.
• Uphold the dignity of affected individuals.
• Prevent further abuses.

This aligns with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by emphasizing international cooperation.

Legal Framework and International Obligations

Human trafficking and forced labor violate fundamental human rights and dignity. International instruments relevant to combating these abuses include:

• The Palermo Protocol – mandates prevention, prosecution, and victim protection.
• ILO Forced Labour Convention (C029) – requires states to eliminate forced labor practices.

These frameworks support SDG 8 by promoting decent work conditions and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by protecting vulnerable populations.

Additional Human Rights Concerns in Cambodia

According to the Human Rights Watch 2024 report, Cambodia continues to face challenges in upholding human rights, including:

• Increased criminal penalties targeting political activity.
• Persecution of opposition figures.
• Restrictions on freedom of expression and media.
• Targeting of trade unions and labor rights activists.

These issues further impede progress toward SDG 16 and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as repression affects societal stability and individual welfare.

Conclusion

The Amnesty International report highlights critical human rights violations in Cambodian labor camps that demand immediate international and national responses. Addressing these abuses is essential to advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including promoting decent work, ensuring justice, and fostering strong institutions. Coordinated efforts are necessary to protect victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and uphold human dignity.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article highlights forced labor, human trafficking, and slavery in Cambodian labor camps, which directly contradicts the goal of promoting decent work and economic growth.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The report discusses government failure to investigate human trafficking and abuses, persecution of critics, and lack of accountability, which relates to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and effective institutions.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Since the trafficking disproportionately affects women and children, and the Palermo Protocol focuses especially on women and children, this SDG is also relevant.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The exploitation of vulnerable populations including minors and migrants relates to reducing inequalities within and among countries.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 8
   • Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
2. SDG 16
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
3. SDG 5
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation.
4. SDG 10
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 8.7
   • Proportion and number of children aged 5–17 years engaged in child labor, including forced labor.
   • Number of victims of human trafficking identified and assisted.
2. Indicators for SDG 16.3 and 16.10
   • Number of human trafficking cases investigated and prosecuted.
   • Level of government transparency and protection of human rights defenders and critics.
   • Incidence of persecution against opposition figures, labor rights activists, and media freedom restrictions.
3. Indicator for SDG 5.2
   • Prevalence of violence against women and girls, including trafficking and exploitation cases.
4. Indicator for SDG 10.3
   • Existence and enforcement of laws and policies protecting vulnerable groups from exploitation and discrimination.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: jurist.org