PHNOM PENH: The Prime Minister of Cambodia has called for the crackdown on illegal gambling and drugs at the local level to promote the successful implementation of the safe village and commune policy.

Speaking at the 6th National Interfaith Forum Against Human Trafficking on Thursday morning, 29 September, Prime Minister Hun Sen said that gambling at the local level has caused a lot of insecurity, including a rise in theft and violence. Combined with addiction to drugs, gambling makes ensuring security in villages and communes even more challenging.

He also added that cracking down on illegal gambling also helps to eliminate human trafficking.

"For the safety of villages and communes, the best way is to eliminate local gambling to eliminate drug trafficking at the local level as well, which will then eliminate human trafficking," he said. "People will save money and have harmony."

The policy of safe villages and communes was launched in August 2010 after the Prime Minister announced the promotion of the security and public order movement in Cambodia.

Currently, there are seven safe villages and communes that have been established, which provide transparent public services free of all forms of crime including the illegal trade of drugs and gambling. These villages and communes have good public order, no incidents of human trafficking, domestic violence or the presence of gangsters, along with high quality and effective non-judicial dispute resolution. These villages and communes also have good aesthetic environments and are equipped to respond to disasters and epidemics in a timely manner.