WHAT WE DO
Protection and Justice for the Children
APLE works to empower children to access their rights by providing them with the tools to exercise their rights, and by advocating for their interests.
The program aims to improve policy and legal frameworks required to combat child sexual abuse and exploitation. This includes developing protective laws that prioritize victims’ best interests and protection while enabling access to justice. The program has specific objectives, such as strengthening the capacity of law enforcement to prevent and respond to cases, implementing child-friendly, child centered procedures, enhancing legal assistance and support services, raising awareness among government stakeholders, and strengthening cooperation and coordination among different organizations to ensure a comprehensive response system.
To enhance leadership, accountability, coordination, and collaboration among high levels of government, lawmakers that are crucial for the development and effective implementation of policies and laws.
To increase efficient enforcement of comprehensive policies, regulations, and procedures that are in line with international standards and aimed at protecting vulnerable children and children impacted by sexual abuse and exploitation.
To establish clear and effective legal frameworks that offer specific protection for children involved in the justice process. Such frameworks should be comprehensive and accessible, outlining the legal procedures and protections available for children.
As APLE continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, its commitment to protecting children remains steadfast. Through its relentless efforts, APLE strives to make a lasting impact in the fight against child sexual exploitation and abuse.
In order to achieve this, we advocate for the government to address any policy and legislative gaps that exist in child protection frameworks, ensuring that they are age-appropriate and effective for all children.
As a member of the Technical Working Groups, which is led by the Cambodia National Council for Children, we provide valuable expert insights for policy and law drafting, and work towards the development of national policies and legal frameworks that align with international standards and best practices.
APLE is committed to upholding the fundamental principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which outline the rights that every child is entitled to. As an integral part of our mission, we strive to ensure that all policy actions implemented are in strict adherence to these guiding principles.
These principles include the right to non-discrimination, which means that every child has the right to be treated equally, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or any other status. The best interests of the child is another guiding principle, which requires us to prioritize the needs of children in all decisions and actions that may affect them.
Furthermore, we recognize and uphold the right to life, survival, and development, which ensures that every child has the right to live, grow, and flourish in a safe and nurturing environment. Finally, we acknowledge the right to be heard, which grants children the right to express their opinions and have their voices heard in matters that affect them.
By incorporating these guiding principles into policies and practices, we aim to promote and protect the rights of every child, and to create a world where all children can reach their full potential.
As a member of the National Child Protection Committee, our primary objective is to collaborate with government officials, international child rights organizations, and civil society groups to pinpoint areas that require improvement and promote the creation of policies and legal frameworks that are protective and responsive to children.
Children and young individuals possess strong viewpoints, and it is their legitimate right to express them in matters that impact their well-being. APLE strives to involve children in our initiatives by gathering their voices and perspectives, which are then utilized to inform policy and legislative development that caters to children’s needs. We ensure to conduct effective consultations with child participation throughout the entire process of program development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
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