Recognitions
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APLE Awards and Recognitions
APLE’s recognitions reflect years of dedicated, child-centered work across victim support, child-friendly justice, community prevention, industry engagement, policy and legal reform, and online safety through our INHOPE‑affiliated Internet Hotline. While our focus is always on impact for children, acknowledgments from partners, ministries, networks and global initiatives affirm the quality, integrity and effectiveness of our approach.
National Recognitions
APLE is widely acknowledged by Cambodian stakeholders for consistent, collaborative action to protect children:
- Government partnerships and MOUs: Ongoing coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY/DoSVY), the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs on child protection policies, SOPs and referrals.
- Law enforcement collaboration: Long‑standing cooperation with Anti‑Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Units to support child‑friendly investigations, digital evidence workflows and coordinated prosecutions.
- Red Cross and NGO networks: Recognition as a trusted partner of the Cambodian Red Cross (Phnom Penh branch) and NGOs within the Family Care First network for case coordination and crisis response.
- Community and school systems: Appreciation from local authorities, school leaders and community groups for prevention education, help‑seeking promotion, and strengthening local protection mechanisms.
Trusted by national and international stakeholders for protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse in Cambodia.
International Recognitions
APLE’s work is connected to and recognized by global networks and initiatives.
- INHOPE membership: Since 2015, APLE operates Cambodia’s Internet Hotline in partnership with INHOPE—the leading global network of internet hotlines—supporting timely cross‑border notice‑and‑takedown of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and coordinated enforcement.
- ECPAT collaborations: Engagement in regional dialogues, survivor‑informed initiatives and country overview processes strengthens APLE’s policy and practice, aligning with international standards and elevating Cambodia’s child protection efforts.
- Global research and practice: Contributions and alignment with global evidence (for example, Disrupting Harm findings, Global Boys Initiative insights) help translate best practice into Cambodia’s context and are cited by partners in sector discussions and events.
- Media and technology partnerships: Recognition for ethical communications, appropriate terminology (CSAM) and platform workflows that prioritize privacy, rapid takedown and survivor protection.
Why Recognitions Matter
Trust that opens doors: Recognition from ministries and networks enables APLE to co-develop national policies, train frontline workers, and activate rapid response channels with platforms and ISPs.
Policy influence to practice: Awards and endorsements validate APLE as a reliable systems partner—accelerating the shift from policy on paper to child-safe practice in classrooms, stations, courtrooms, platforms, and hotels.
Cross-border impact: As Cambodia’s member of the INHOPE network, APLE’s hotline collaboration with peers and platforms speeds international takedowns—reducing exposure and harm at scale.
Being a recognized, reliable actor helps move policy from paper to practice—embedding child‑friendly SOPs across justice, social services, education, media and industry.
Seila Samleang – Executive Director, APLE Cambodia
We welcome letters of recognition, case stories, and partner testimonials that highlight collaboration and impact. Your acknowledgments help us strengthen protection pathways and inspire broader action.
What Sustains Impact
System strengthening: We embed SOPs, curricula, and interoperable referral pathways across sectors so protection becomes routine.
Capacity transfer: We train, mentor, and equip government and service providers to lead, measure, and improve child protection over time.
Co-ownership and accountability: Joint working groups, shared metrics, and transparent reporting keep partners aligned on outcomes that matter for children.
Diversified, resilient funding: A balanced portfolio of multi-year donors, private sector engagement, and project-based grants sustains core capabilities.
Evidence and learning: Data-driven decision-making, survivor-informed feedback, and adherence to international standards ensure continuous improvement.
Stars Impact Award
In 2015, APLE's dedicated efforts were honored with the Stars Impact Award, acknowledging our exceptional service to underserved children. We proudly received a $50,000 USD prize and capacity building support at the Philanthropreneurship Forum in Paris on December 12, 2015. Our Executive Director, Mr. Samleang Seila, accepted the award, emphasizing it as a global recognition of our commitment to protecting Cambodian children. This accolade fuels our ongoing battle against child sexual exploitation.
Child 10 Award
APLE Shines as a Global Leader: Honored with the 2017 Child 10 Award for Outstanding Advocacy and Support for Displaced and Marginalized Children. Celebrating APLE's bold, strategic, and impactful dedication to child welfare and advocacy, this prestigious award acknowledges our unwavering commitment to making a significant difference. Kudos to APLE for this remarkable achievement!
More Recognitions
Foreign Law Enforcement Agencies
APLE's collaboration with international law enforcement, including the FBI, HSI, BKA, and Belgium National Police, has been pivotal in prosecuting cross-border crimes against children. These partnerships have led to successful convictions, earning recognition for APLE's commitment to creating a safer world for children.
Awarded the Sahametrei Medal: A Testament to
In 2017, APLE received the esteemed Sahametrei Medal from Prime Minister Hun Sen, recognizing their significant contributions to child safety in Cambodia. This honor underscores APLE's relentless commitment and success in protecting Cambodian children from harm.
Anti Human Trafficking Award
APLE was distinguished with an appreciation token from Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng for their outstanding child safeguarding work, especially amidst the Covid-19 challenges. This honor celebrates APLE's dedication to and impact on protecting vulnerable children.