About APLE

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Our Vision

Our vision at APLE is a community with robust social and legal justice in which all children are free from sexual exploitation and abuse. Our goal is to uphold children’s rights, dignity, and potential, free from exploitation and abuse.

Our Mission

APLE’s mission is to strengthen national social and legal mechanisms for the protection of children at risk of, or affected by, sexual exploitation and abuse. The APLE approach is centered on collaborative efforts with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. Our strategies include awareness campaigns, training, victim support, justice assistance, policy advocacy, and sustainable solutions through strategic partnerships.

Our Priorities

APLE Cambodia, as a leading child protection organization, has established clear priorities in its mission to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. These priorities reflect the organization’s comprehensive approach to addressing this critical issue.

APLE prioritizes providing comprehensive support to child victims of sexual exploitation. This includes offering psychological counseling, legal assistance, and social support to help survivors recover and reintegrate into society.

Child Victim Support Initiatives

Strengthening the legal and law enforcement response to child sexual exploitation is a key focus. APLE works to enhance the capacity of police, prosecutors, and judges to effectively handle cases involving child victims.

Criminal Justice Development Initiatives

APLE recognizes the importance of community involvement in child protection. The organization prioritizes raising awareness and educating communities about the risks of child sexual exploitation and how to prevent it.

Community Engagement Initiatives

With the increasing digital risks, APLE places significant emphasis on combating online child sexual exploitation. This includes operating internet hotlines, collaborating with tech companies, and educating children and families about online safety.

Child Online Protection Initiatives

APLE prioritizes conducting research to understand emerging trends in child sexual exploitation. This informs their advocacy efforts to influence policy changes and improve child protection laws.

Research and Advocacy Initiatives

Building strong partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations is a priority for APLE to ensure a coordinated and effective response to child sexual exploitation.

Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration Initiatives

APLE focuses on developing and implementing educational programs in schools and communities to prevent child sexual exploitation before it occurs.

Preventative Education Initiatives

Our History

APLE Cambodia, established in 2003, has been at the forefront of combating child sexual exploitation and abuse in Cambodia for over two decades. 

2003: APLE was founded in response to the growing concern over child sexual exploitation in Cambodia, particularly by foreign offenders. Initially, it focused on investigating cases and supporting law enforcement.

2005-2010: APLE expanded its operations, developing a comprehensive approach that included victim support, legal aid, and community awareness programs. The organization began building strong partnerships with local authorities and international NGOs.

2011-2015: This period saw APLE significantly enhance its capacity building efforts for law enforcement. The organization also started addressing the emerging issue of online child sexual exploitation, launching its internet hotline.

2016-2020: APLE intensified its advocacy efforts, contributing to important legal and policy reforms in Cambodia. The organization also expanded its preventative education programs in schools and communities.

2021-Present: APLE has continued to adapt to evolving challenges, particularly in the digital space. The organization has strengthened its research capabilities and international collaborations to address cross-border child exploitation issues.
Throughout its history, APLE has remained committed to its core mission of protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. The organization has rescued hundreds of children, supported numerous successful prosecutions, and played a crucial role in strengthening Cambodia’s child protection system.

APLE’s journey reflects its ability to evolve with changing threats while maintaining a victim-centered approach. From its humble beginnings to becoming a leading child protection organization, APLE’s history is a testament to its unwavering dedication to creating a safer Cambodia for children.