Reflection Workshop Focuses on Enhancing Strategies Against Online Child Sexual Exploitation
A significant reflection workshop was held on June 30, 2025, in Phnom Penh to address the prevention and response to online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA). Co-organized by APLE Cambodia and the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT), the event received financial support from Terre des Hommes Netherlands. The workshop gathered 59 key stakeholders, […]
Christian Leaders and Youth in Cambodia Equip Themselves to Combat Human Trafficking and Online Child Sexual Exploitation
The National Committee for Counter Human Trafficking (NCCT) and APLE Cambodia, supported by OneChild Canada, hosted an awareness-raising event on June 27, 2025, at the Evangelical Fellowship of Cambodia (EFC) in Phnom Penh. This gathering brought together 151 Cambodian Christian leaders and youth to enhance their understanding of human trafficking and online child sexual exploitation […]
Appeal Court Upholds Verdict Against Two Cambodians for Sexual Offenses Against Minors
The Court of Appeal, on June 3, 2025, upheld the verdict against two Cambodian nationals convicted of sexual offenses against minors. The court confirmed the original sentences: a 58-year-old male defendant received a seven-year prison term, while the female defendant, an aunt of the victims, was sentenced to five years. Both individuals were found guilty […]
APLE’s Executive Director Addresses Vicarious Trauma at ICMEC Workshop on Crimes Against Children
Mr. Seila Samleang, Executive Director of APLE, had the distinguished opportunity to speak on vicarious trauma and preventative education at the Crimes Against Children workshop, held on Oct 14, 2024, in Phnom Penh. This significant event was organized by the Australian Attorney-General’s Department, the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC), and Cambodia’s Ministry […]
Breaking the Silence: The Role of Industry in Revolutionizing Child Online Safety
The Growing Threat of Online Child Exploitation The digital landscape has transformed dramatically, leading to an alarming increase in online child exploitation. Reports indicate a disturbing rise in incidents where children face sexual abuse through various online platforms. The Disrupting Harm in Cambodia Study shows that over one in ten children aged 12 to 17 […]
Reclaiming Hope: Bopha and Kanha’s Journey
In Siem Reap, amidst the bustling streets and ancient wonders, Bopha and Kanha once thrived as bright, promising students. Bopha found joy in cycling with her loyal companion Pito, while Kanha sought solace in dance and English classes taught by their aunt’s husband. Their lives took a devastating turn when they moved in with their […]
Strengthening Child Protection: APLE’s Annual Advocacy for Enhanced Child-Friendly Interview Rooms
On March 20, 2024, APLE hosted the Annual Child-Friendly Room Monitoring Advocacy Meeting at the Battambang Commissariat, underscoring its commitment to advancing child protection in the context of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Supported by BfdW, this pivotal event addressed the critical need to create safe, supportive environments for child victims during police interviews—a growing […]
Reachny’s Journey: From Darkness to Light
In the peaceful province of Kampong Cham, Cambodia, a 13-year-old girl named Reachny lived a simple and happy life. Born in 2010 to a family of farmers, she was a bright, friendly, and active student, always helping her parents with chores and excelling in her studies. Her life, however, took a drastic turn during the […]
American Lawyer Deported to US for Sexual Abuse of Underage Girls in Cambodia
Phnom Penh, on July 4, an American lawyer, who spent over two years in a Cambodian prison for sexually abusing four underage children, was deported back to the United States. Now facing federal charges, 42-year-old Rugh Cline is currently held under house arrest. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 170 years in […]
Man Arrested for Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material and Extortion of Minor Boy
PHNOM PENH: On March 23, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court charged a 27-year-old Cambodian man from Battambang with production and distribution of adult pornography under Article 39 and distribution of child pornography under Article 41 of the Law on Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitaition. The court puts him on remand to wait for […]