PHNOM PENH: On the evening of January 15, the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) organized a dinner to honor survivors of sexual assault and trafficking and welcome a delegation of the South Korean Red Cross.

Since 1996, AFESIP has worked to rescue victims of sex trafficking, rape and exploitation by providing them with immediate safety and comprehensive services to support survivors in rebuilding their lives with dignity and hope. The CRC held a dinner to recognize to commemorate the organization and the survivors of gender-based violence that AFESIP supports.

Acting Secretary-General of the Cambodian Red Cross, Men Neary Sopheak, highlighted two important goals of the dinner: to express CRC President Bun Rany’s condolences to the young women and girls of the AFESIP and to welcome 45 delegates of the South Korean Red Cross Usan Branch on their second exchange visit to Cambodia.

"This gathering shows love, smiles, encouragement and care for each other as brothers and sisters,” she said. “Even though we live in different countries with different climates, we are of one heart.”

She wished the Usan Branch a wonderful time in Cambodia during their trip from January 14-21 and hopes they return home with good memories of the Kingdom. Prior to the dinner, the South Korean Red Cross youth delegation performed Korean dances and cultural art. In return, the AFESIP survivors demonstrated flower origami and traditional Khmer dance.

Founder and Director General of AFESIP, Mam Somaly, thanked former First Lady Bun Rany and former Prime Minister Hun Sen on behalf of the young women, girls and staff of AFESIP. She said the two leaders provided encouragement, hope, continuous support and spacious accommodation for survivors to live in dignity within a society of peace, stability and development.

Socheat Viriya, a second-year university student, spoke on behalf of survivors and expressed her commitment to study hard and fulfill her role as a good child, friend and citizen in return for the support she has been given.