In a significant advancement towards enhancing child online protection, APLE Cambodia and the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT) co-hosted a national workshop in Phnom Penh on December 25, 2024. This event, supported by Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdHNL), focused on “Promoting National Strategies for Countering Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Protecting Victims.” This initiative marks a crucial step in Cambodia’s ongoing battle against online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA).
The workshop gathered 55 key stakeholders, including policymakers, government officials, law enforcement, and tech company representatives. This diverse participation underscores the importance of multi-disciplinary cooperation and shared responsibility in addressing this complex issue. Furthermore, participants exchanged insights on the emerging online risks that children face in Cambodia. They also explored innovative solutions to combat OCSEA effectively.
Moreover, discussions emphasized enhancing victim support services, reinforcing APLE’s commitment to a victim-focused approach. Providing comprehensive support for survivors remains a priority for all involved. The collaborative spirit among stakeholders fostered unity in the shared goal of creating a safer digital environment for Cambodia’s children.
This workshop highlights Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to protect children in the digital age. By uniting experts and decision-makers, it underscores the critical need for collective action and innovative strategies in tackling OCSEA. Additionally, the initiative contributes to developing more robust national strategies and aligns with APLE’s mission to strengthen social and legal mechanisms for child protection.
As online threats evolve, events like this play a vital role in enhancing criminal justice development. They also promote community engagement and advance preventative education. The shared commitment demonstrated at this workshop sends a powerful message: the time to act is now. Only through united efforts can we effectively protect our children from online exploitation and abuse.
