Banteay Meanchey: The Poipet Transit and Rehabilitation Center for victims in Banteay Meanchey Province was officially inaugurated on Monday, December 18, 2023, under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha, who also holds the positions of Minister of Interior and Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking. He represented Prime Minister Hun Manet at the event.
The Poipet Transit and Rehabilitation Center for victims have been established to offer temporary shelter, food, healthcare, education, vocational training, and life skills to victims and individuals vulnerable to human trafficking, racial discrimination, and disability. It serves as a sanctuary for these individuals.
Mr. Chea Somethy, the Minister of Social Affairs, stressed that the ceremony signifies significant progress in the realms of social affairs, veterans' affairs, and youth rehabilitation. It underscores the government's unwavering commitment to safeguarding victims of human trafficking. This commitment aligns with the policies of the Royal Government, as outlined in the "For Building and Defending the Motherland 2023-2028" program and the first phase of the Pentagon Strategy. These initiatives are geared towards fostering employment, equity, efficiency, sustainability, and laying the groundwork for achieving Cambodia's vision by 2050.
He further elaborated, stating, "The establishment and construction of new infrastructure at the The Poipet Transit and Rehabilitation Center for victims exemplify the Cambodian government's dedication to implementing policies, strategic plans, and programs aimed at safeguarding the urgent needs of human trafficking victims. This includes providing essential services to prevent all forms of human trafficking, both domestically and across borders. Additionally, it entails aiding victims through rehabilitation, integration, and the protection of their rights, all in accordance with Cambodia's evolving development context and future requirements."
The center offers vocational training in five critical skills, including tailoring, salon services, cooking, tradesman, and air conditioning services.
This center is a grant from the Kingdom of Thailand, aimed at aiding victims of human trafficking. It was constructed at a total cost of nearly 3 million US dollars, covering an area of 9,768 square meters. The facility is situated in Prachea Thom East Village, Sangkat Or Russey, Poipet City, Banteay Meanchey Province.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha conveyed his gratitude to the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand for their generous assistance. He emphasized that it reflects the joint political will of both governments to combat human trafficking and other forms of abuse, while also extending support to victims of human trafficking.
Mr. Sar Sokha underscored, " The Poipet Transit and Rehabilitation Center for victims represents the first collaborative effort between the Royal Government of Cambodia and Thailand to assist victims, particularly those who have fallen prey to human trafficking and migrant workers seeking employment abroad."
Before the center's inauguration, a symbolic handover ceremony was held on September 28, 2023, at the Peace Palace, where the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand reaffirmed their commitment to this joint initiative.
