Phnom Penh, March 13, 2024: In a profound acknowledgment of their decade-long dedication to combating crimes against children in Cambodia, members of the Child Protection Unit (CPU) have been bestowed with some of the highest accolades in the Kingdom, including the prestigious Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Cambodia.
Five exemplary members of the CPU were honored with medals, among them the esteemed Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Cambodia (GCC), a distinction personally endorsed by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni and recognized as one of the most esteemed awards conferred by the Kingdom.
The commendations commend the tireless efforts of the CPU over the past decade in probing crimes and elevating the care and rehabilitation of child victims.
Established in 2013, the CPU stands as a remarkable collaboration between the NGO Cambodian Children's Fund (CCF) and the Cambodian National Police, tasked with investigating grave offenses against children in Cambodia and Southeast Asia, while ensuring the prosecution of perpetrators.
Among the distinguished recipients of the Knight Grand Cross are James McCabe, the Director of Operations at CPU, and Mike Smith, both pioneers of the CPU's inception nearly 11 years ago, alongside Som Vathana, presently serving as the CPU’s Manager of Police, Ministry, and NGO Liaison.
The Royal Order of Cambodia, inaugurated in 1864, is conferred by the Cambodian sovereign to honor civilians and soldiers, whether subjects of the King or foreigners, who have demonstrated exceptional merit.
Nick Rose, Deputy Director of the CPU and a former Australian law enforcement and military officer, was recognized with a Knight Grand Officer, while Police Brigadier General Sy Phalla of the Cambodian National Police received the National Medal of Merit.
"It's an immense honor to be acknowledged by His Majesty for our endeavors," remarked James McCabe. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mike, Vathana, Phalla, and Nick for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding children. I applaud the dedication, professionalism, and unwavering determination exhibited by every member of the CPU in aiding victims and probing crimes against children."
James McCabe, previously decorated with the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sahametrei in 2016, was subsequently appointed as a Knight and Commander of the Royal Order of Sahametrei in 2022, with the endorsement of the then-Prime Minister Hun Sen.
"The CPU's relentless efforts have garnered acclaim from numerous foreign governments and international law enforcement agencies," McCabe added, humbly acknowledging the recognition. "It is a privilege and an honor to lead this exceptional team."
Spanning all 25 provinces of Cambodia, the CPU operates across four principal departments: the Homicide Investigation Team (HIT), Forensic Services Team (FST), Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), and the Office of Victim and Family Services (OVFS). Equipped with seasoned police personnel, investigators, forensic specialists, and aftercare professionals, the unit confronts major crimes against children, including homicides, sexual assaults, and trafficking. Four years ago, it established the first specialized unit in Cambodia dedicated to combating the escalating menace of cybercrimes against children, encompassing online grooming and the dissemination of child pornography. To date, it has spearheaded 118 investigations into internet crimes against children.
Since its inception in 2013, the CPU has conducted over 2,617 major crime investigations, encompassing more than 300 homicides.
