Leaders from government, civil society, and the tech industry gathered in Siem Reap for a regional seminar on September 18, 2025, aimed at enhancing the collective fight against Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSEA). The event was officially inaugurated by Her Excellency Nhep Sopheap, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation, and attended by senior officials from both national and local government. This seminar exemplified a remarkable multi-sector collaboration, featuring leadership from various ministries, including:
- Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation
- Ministry of Post and Telecommunications
- Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport
- Ministry of Information
- Ministry of Justice
- Ministry of Women’s Affairs
- Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts
In addition to government representatives, civil society and NGO partners such as IWF, Plan International, M’lop Tapang, A21, This Life Cambodia, and Friends-International played a crucial role in the discussions. Experts from the tech and private sectors, including industry leaders like Meta, Kindred Tech, Smart Axiata, PLDT & Smart Philippines, and Ezecom, also contributed their insights.
Co-organized by the Cambodia National Council for Children and APLE Cambodia, the seminar received generous support from Terre des Hommes Netherlands, Bread for the World, and the World Childhood Foundation. A key feature of the seminar was a panel discussion moderated by Ms. Smita Mitra, FutureLifeSkills Consultant. The panel included notable experts such as H.E. Sambath Sokunthea of the Cambodia National Council for Children, Ms. Zoe de Melo of Terre des Hommes Netherlands, and Ms. Kristen Scharf of A21. The panel explored critical intersections between online and offline child sexual exploitation, examining real-world case studies and the urgent need for a coordinated response. Key topics discussed included the development of effective national reporting mechanisms and best practices for a survivor-centered approach, ensuring that all support and engagement are conducted ethically.
Breakout sessions at the seminar produced actionable strategies for addressing key online threats to children. These focused discussions, facilitated by leading experts, tackled several critical priorities:
- National Reporting Mechanisms: Led by H.E. Sambath Sokunthea, this session focused on creating effective pathways for reporting and removing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
- Prevention and Response: Facilitated by Mr. Alastair Hilton, this session emphasized leveraging technology and insights from survivors to combat grooming and sexual extortion.
- Survivor Support: Guided by Ms. Kristen Scharf, this session aimed at establishing best practices and protocols for a survivor-centered approach.
The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment from all sectors to collaborate and implement the strategies discussed, ensuring a safer digital environment for children and a stronger response to online child sexual exploitation.
