• Child trafficking

Child trafficking

Examining what ‘risk variables’ positively incline Vietnamese families in Cambodia to consider the sale of their children for sexual exploitation, this study finds that major risk factors include crisis/extra-ordinary expenses, debt, the phenomenon of ‘normalisation’, materialism, family honour, cultural perceptions of the value/place of women. These all occur within the context of general poverty and the psychological burden of uncertainty and insecurity.

Organisations are encouraged to think in terms of prevention when considering interventions. Prevention activities can often be implemented at minimal cost, although they tend to be labour intensive. Agencies are also encouraged to consider efforts at protection and after-care. A comprehensive approach to tackling this problem is advisable. Advocacy activities are best undertaken within the ‘protective framework’ of a larger agency, such as The Asia Foundation, that has extensive experience in this sensitive area.

The aim of intervention/s must be to reduce the ‘risk factors’ that seem to correlate with a family’s propensity for selling children. It is recommended that agencies take a ‘rights-based approach’. There are at least three benefits for using this approach:

• it is a frequently used NGO framework
• it is not religiously specific, but acceptable across religious persuasions
• at the grassroots level, it gives a sense of external accountability
  

It is further recommended that, where possible, ethnic Vietnamese staff are employed. Cultural affinity will enhance the ability to empathise and to understand the situation of those who are accessing the service/s.

Finally, legalising the presence of the Vietnamese in Cambodia would give them access to basic public services such as education. This may have positive implications for community building within predominantly Vietnamese locations, reducing social problems. It may also be useful to consider the issue of trafficking among the Vietnamese in the context of larger issues of migration. Other suggestions for improving the policy and legislative environment and reduce trafficking and sexual exploitation of children include:

• deal with corruption at all levels of society
• make and communicate clear laws
• improve law enforcement. Real perpetrators usually not prosecuted
• improve independence of judiciary
• expand legal aid institutions
• cooperate with Vietnamese on trafficking, cross-border issues, migration
• hold parents responsible for the sale of their children
• reduce particular discrimination against Vietnamese sex workers
  

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