Cambodian Government’s Failures in Addressing Human Rights Abuses in Scamming Compounds

Overview of Amnesty International’s Findings

Amnesty International’s report highlights significant shortcomings by the Cambodian government in investigating and addressing widespread human rights abuses occurring within scamming compounds. Despite repeated awareness of these violations, the government has failed to take effective action.

Government Response and Its Limitations

The Cambodian government has asserted efforts to combat the scamming crisis through the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCT) and various ministerial task forces. These bodies have overseen police operations aimed at “rescuing” victims from these compounds. However, the report reveals that:

1. More than two-thirds of identified scamming compounds continued operations even after police raids and rescues.
2. In Botum Sakor, despite multiple police interventions and media reports of human trafficking, a known compound remains operational.

Police Failures and Complicity

Police actions have been compromised due to collaboration or coordination with compound managers. Key issues include:

• During many rescues, police only met with compound managers or security guards at the gates, receiving individuals who called for help without conducting thorough investigations inside the compounds.
• Survivors reported punishments such as beatings after their attempts to secretly contact police were discovered by compound bosses.
• A Vietnamese survivor stated that police “work for the compound and report requests for help back to compound bosses.”

Post-Rescue Treatment and Legal Failures

Victims “rescued” from scamming compounds often faced prolonged detention in immigration centers under poor conditions. The Cambodian authorities have failed to:

• Recognize these individuals as victims of human trafficking.
• Provide necessary support as mandated by international law.

Suppression of Advocacy and Media

The government has also targeted human rights defenders and journalists addressing the scamming crisis. Notable actions include:

• Arrests of activists and journalists working on the issue.
• Closure of the news outlet Voice of Democracy in 2023, apparently in retaliation for its reporting on scamming compounds.

Government’s Inadequate Response to Amnesty International

Amnesty International shared its findings with the NCCT, which responded with vague data on interventions. However, the response lacked clarity on:

• Whether the state has identified, investigated, or prosecuted individuals responsible for human rights abuses beyond deprivation of liberty.
• Any acknowledgment or investigation of the specific scamming compounds and suspicious locations listed by Amnesty International.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Relevant SDGs Impacted by the Cambodian Government’s Failures

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The failure to investigate human rights abuses and prosecute perpetrators undermines the rule of law and access to justice.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The prevalence of scamming compounds involves forced labor and exploitation, violating rights to decent work.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – Many victims are vulnerable individuals, including women, who face abuse and lack protection.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The neglect of marginalized victims perpetuates social and economic inequalities.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Poor detention conditions and abuse negatively affect victims’ physical and mental health.

Recommendations for Aligning Government Actions with SDGs

1. Enhance transparency and accountability in investigating human trafficking and human rights abuses within scamming compounds.
2. Ensure law enforcement agencies operate independently and protect victims without collusion with perpetrators.
3. Provide comprehensive support and rehabilitation services to trafficking victims, in line with international standards.
4. Protect freedom of expression and support human rights defenders and journalists reporting on abuses.
5. Strengthen institutional frameworks to uphold justice and promote sustainable development goals related to human rights and social equity.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses failures in government institutions to investigate and prosecute human rights abuses, indicating weak justice systems and lack of accountability.
   • Issues of corruption and police complicity undermine strong institutions.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article highlights human trafficking and exploitation in scamming compounds, which relates to forced labor and exploitation in the workplace.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Human trafficking disproportionately affects women and girls, and the article mentions survivors who were punished, indicating gender-based violence and discrimination.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The failure to protect vulnerable populations such as migrants and trafficking victims reflects inequalities and social exclusion.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • 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.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • 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: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws and policies.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators related to SDG 16:
   • 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence who report their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.
   • 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services (implied through public dissatisfaction with police and government response).
   • 16.10.1: Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture of journalists, associated media personnel, trade unionists and human rights advocates (the article mentions arrests of human rights defenders and journalists).
2. Indicators related to SDG 8:
   • 8.7.1: Number and percentage of children aged 5–17 years engaged in child labor, by sector and sex (implied through trafficking and exploitation).
   • 8.7.2: Proportion and number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age and form of exploitation.
3. Indicators related to SDG 5:
   • 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months (implied through violence against survivors).
   • 5.2.2: Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
4. Indicators related to SDG 10:
   • 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed within the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited by international human rights law.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: amnesty.org