One of the highlights of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s one-day visit to Phnom Penh on Thursday was the hand-over of a Thailand-funded centre for victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups to the Cambodian government.
The Transit and Reception Centre for Victims of Trafficking and Other Vulnerable Groups, located in Poipet city, Banteay Meanchey province, was built with financial support from the Thai government.
Em Chan Makara, spokesman for the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, said Thursday that the construction of the centre began in August last year and was completed last month. The centre was built with the help of the Thai government at a cost of US$2,199,920.
The Khmer Times reported that the center is situated in Prachea Thorm Khang Koeut village, O’ Russey commune, on a 4,900 square metre plot of land. It will provide temporary accommodation, meals, healthcare, education, vocational training, and life skills for victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups.
Chan Makara described the establishment of the transit centre as a testament to the two governments’ commitment to combating human and labour trafficking and helping the victims. The operation cost of the centre will be handled by the Cambodian government.
“The transit centre can accommodate between 500 and 600 victims of human trafficking for accommodation and treatment. All victims will be taught life skills and related skills with specialist teachers at the centre,” he was quoted by Khmer Times as saying.
“Female victims will learn skills such as cooking and tailoring. The male victims will learn skills to become electricians, mechanics among others,” Chan Makara added.
