BATTAMBNG: The Minister of Interior and Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking (NEC) presided over the inauguration ceremony of a new Workers Reception Center located in Kamrieng District, Battambang Province, on Monday.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister stated that human trafficking is considered as brutal an act as modern slavery that we cannot ignore or accept for creating great misery, and which requires all ministries, institutions, sectors and relevant partners to take responsibility and sincerely work together to fight for and protect victims of all ages and backgrounds.

He further stated that the building of the Kamrieng Workers Reception Center is proof of Cambodia's efforts to combat human trafficking, as this center will provide a means of protection to victims as it will act as a place for returning workers and victims of human trafficking to stay and receive information and other forms of referral support services such as legal support, social support and economic support.

The Minister also expressed his gratitude to the many partner organizations that work to fight against human trafficking, especially the response services for the protection of victims and prevention of further human trafficking based in border provinces. Such partner organizations include the United Nations Office for Migration (IOM), Samaritans Purse, Caritas Cambodia, and Hagar.

He continued that there are a number of organizations working in close cooperation with local authorities, ministries, institutions and other relevant provincial capitals, to provide services to victims in care centers and communities.