The European Union and United Nations had to reschedule the launch of an anti-human trafficking program this week due to questions about the chosen venue. The event was set to take place at the Phnom Penh Hotel in Cambodia, owned by a Cambodian tycoon linked to human trafficking activities.
The EU-U.N. “PROTECT” project aims to combat violence against women and children, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling. The hotel where the launch was planned is owned by L.Y.P. Group, a conglomerate owned by Ly Yong Phat, a Cambodian senator with ties to the Prime Minister.
While Ly Yong Phat has not been charged with human trafficking, a casino run by his business has been raided for human trafficking activities. After being questioned, both the EU and U.N. agencies decided to reschedule the event and review the location.
Authorities in Cambodia have acknowledged the existence of human trafficking and scam centers but dispute the numbers provided by the U.N. The recent raid on the O’Smach Resort casino rescued victims of human trafficking forced to work in online scam operations.
The $13 million “PROTECT” initiative funded by the EU is being led by various United Nations agencies along with the Cambodian Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training. Critics have raised concerns about hosting an anti-trafficking event at a property linked to human trafficking activities.
It is important for the international community to conduct thorough due diligence when engaging in Cambodia to avoid inadvertently supporting illicit actors. Regional watchdog groups have also criticized the lack of accountability for landlords and protectors of scam operations in the country.