Photo by: Sovann Philong. Sex workers wait for customers near Wat Phnom last month. A new report says more dialogue between sex workers and the government could lead to better anti-trafficking policies.Tuesday, 28 July 2009
By Katrin Redfern
The Phnom Penh Post
After a report condemns the lack of dialogue between officials and sex worker groups, sex workers tell the Post they want to be directly involved in efforts to combat trafficking.
AREPORT released earlier this month that surveyed more than 1,000 female sex workers called for more consultation between government and NGO representatives and those who actually work in the sex industry.
The report, released by the Cambodian Alliance for Combating HIV/AIDS (CACHA) along with 11 local, international and governmental organisations, said such consultation would lead to more effective policies than the existing 2008 Law on the Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation, which it roundly criticised.
In recent interviews, sex workers and those who advocate on their behalf in the capital told the Post they would appreciate the chance to work with law enforcement officers and NGOs, but they said their efforts to engage both groups in the past had not been well received.
"We've approached a number of NGOs running anti-trafficking and rehabilitation programmes ... about incorporating sex workers into the conversation, as well as law enforcement, but don't meet with much interest," said Ly Pisey, part of the support staff at the Women's Network for Unity (WNU).
"One sex worker was invited to the talks at the National Assembly about the [2008 law], but she wasn't allowed to speak. NGO staff have had a lot of opportunities to recommend whatever they like, but there's no space for grassroots people."
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