Funding Cuts Disrupt Anti-Trafficking Efforts
The Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid has severely impacted organizations combating human trafficking in Cambodia. Thousands of people, many trafficked under false pretenses, are forced to work in scam call centers across Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.
Critical Shelter May Close Due to Budget Cuts
A shelter in Phnom Penh run by the Catholic charity Caritas, which supports trafficking victims, has already released some residents and may stop accepting new ones. The shelter, previously funded by USAID and the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM), is the only non-governmental facility assisting scam compound victims.
Rescue Operations and Medical Assistance Halted
The aid freeze has also stopped rescue missions and medical support for victims. Many escapees, some injured after jumping from buildings, relied on aid organizations for treatment and legal assistance. Without these services, victims risk being trafficked again.
Crackdown on Civil Society and Independent Media
Cambodia’s independent media and civil society groups, already under government pressure, face further challenges. Investigative journalist Mech Dara, who reported on scam compounds, was arrested last year and later announced he would leave journalism.
Experts Warn of Rising Trafficking Cases
Anti-trafficking experts warn that without U.S. funding, criminal networks will expand, putting more people at risk. Restarting shuttered programs could take years and require additional resources.
