The Cambodian National Institute of Statistics estimated that Cambodia is reported to be a country of origin, transit, and destination for trafficking in children for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and various forms of work, including forced labor and begging.
Cambodian children are trafficked to Thailand and Malaysia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation or bonded labor. Article 68 of the Constitution guarantees the right to 9 years of free education to all citizens. The net primary enrollment rate was Gross and net enrollment ratios are based on the number of students formally registered in primary school and therefore do not necessarily reflect actual school attendance.
In , the gross primary attendance rate was Promotion rates to the second grade for children in minority regions are half the national average of 50 percent. The Labor Law sets the minimum age for employment at 15 years. The Labor Law prohibits all forced or compulsory labor, including in agriculture and domestic work. Department of State reports that counter-trafficking efforts are hampered by official corruption.
The Government of Cambodia is currently implementing a five-year plan against trafficking and sexual exploitation of children, focusing on generating new child protection laws, awareness-raising, training of law enforcement officials, and provision of services to victims. Embassy in Cambodia, in the U. This project is due to be completed in November The Plan establishes priorities to expand access to quality education opportunities, and to increase the institutional capacity of local schools and communities for involvement in educational decision-making.
The government also works with various donors and NGOs on education issues, focusing on improving the quality of education and access to primary school. For more information on the definition of working children, see report section Statistical Definitions of Working Children. Most of these children are girls ages 12 to 15 from remote provinces. Many have never attended school. Some children are held in debt bondage and forced into commercial sexual exploitation until they work off loans provided to their parents.
