PHNOM PENH - 20 February 2008 - 230 words
Cambodia: campaigners welcome new law to fight sex trafficking
In a major breakthrough, the Cambodian parliament has finally presented and unanimously approved a new law to fight human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Until this week, the country had only limited legislation, dating back to 1966, which has made it one of the world's major destination for paedophiles and sex tourism.
The new law, which has been under preparation
since December 2007, consists of 52 articles to be applied more
rigorously in cases of kidnapping for trafficking or sexual exploitation
of women and minors, with punishments of up to 20 years in prison
and heavy fines.
"This law is a great step forward towards global reform in
our country's judicial system," commented Ang Vong Vattana,
Justice Minister of Cambodia. She noted that the entire legislative
system in Cambodia was in urgent need of updating. The new law,
the Minister promised, will be scrupulously observed.
According to groups like UNICEF and other international organisations,
Cambodian minors and women are often taken to other countries
in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, where they are made
slaves, or become victims of sexual abuse or forced marriages,
or organ trafficking.
The percentile of AIDS victims in the
country is extremely high: over half of the children who have
been exploited have been tested positive. 35% of Cambodian prostitutes
are minors and 43% of these, are infected with the AIDS virus.
The cause of the situation is almost always poverty. Often children
are sold by their own families, in hopes of offering them a better
future.
The newly approved law shows the nation's desire to turn things
around and fight against human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The small Catholic community of Cambodia has always had a strong
presence in assisting minors and women who have been victims of
exploitation and trafficking, through prevention centres, recuperation
centres, and helping in their social reintegration.
Source: Fides
© Independent Catholic News 2008
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