Cambodia

Restoring Life & Dignity

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia has a rich cultural heritage.

But its history of conflict and genocide has also led to deep intergenerational trauma.

Cambodia has one of the highest prevalence rates of human trafficking in the world, and domestic violence is widespread.

Hagar was founded in Cambodia in 1994 in the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge genocide. For 30 years, Hagar has helped women and children who have suffered the trauma of trafficking, slavery, and abuse to heal and rebuild their lives.

Country Snapshot

1/4 Million

people live in slavery or slave-like conditions

1 in 5

men aged 18-49 have admitted to committing rape.

1 in 10

children are estimated to have suffered online sexual exploitation

Our Work in Cambodia

Survivor Care

Comprehensive social services for survivors through residential and community-based care.
Emergency foster care for children whose parents were complicit in their exploitation
Survivor Leadership Program gives survivors the chance to lead and advocate for change

Preventing Exploitation

Preventing Online Sexual Exploitation Program equips youth to stay safe online
Community Awareness Training helps local leaders know the signs of trafficking and prevent it before it happens
Education, vocational training and skill development programs reduce vulnerability for survivors

Strengthening Systems

Partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia to influence policies and legislation that protect women and children
Nationwide program to train judges and legal staff to protect child victims during the court process
Legal assistance for survivors to influence positive court outcomes

Rachana Rewrites Her Children’s Future

Rachana and her husband desperately wanted to provide a hopeful future for their two children. But their tiny village near Cambodia’s border with Thailand provided few opportunities.

When they heard of high-paying jobs in Thailand, they jumped at the chance, but soon found themselves stuck in a merciless cycle of debt and exploitation.

Read Rachana’s story of escaping exploitation and rebuilding her and her children’s lives.