BANTEAY MEANCHEY: The project to build a rehabilitation center for victims of trafficking in Banteay Meanchey province has been 30% completed. The project is expected to be fully completed in August 2023.

Secretary of State for the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Nhek Vannara, announced the progress made while inspecting the construction of the Transit and Reception Center for Victims of Trafficking in Poipet, Banteay Meanchey Province, with both a Cambodian and Thai delegation on Tuesday morning, 10 January 2023.

Secretary of State Nhek Vannara said that the construction of the center will take one year in total, starting in August 2022 and ending in August 2023, at a total cost of more than US $2.3 million.

He hopes that after the center opens, it will benefit victims of human trafficking at the border.

He added that Thailand will provide six months of training to Cambodian officials working in the training center, from March to August 2023.

The Thai Ambassador to Cambodia, Panyarak Poolthup, said that the Transit and Reception Center for Victims of Trafficking in Banteay Meanchey will provide safe and comfortable accommodations to migrant workers, and will especially ensure protection against Covid-19. At the same time, by offering a variety of skills training, the center will also assist human trafficking victims in finding new hope in life.