Advocacy
The Somaly Mam Foundation believes the Rule of Law is crucial in the fight against trafficking, and the Foundation is dedicated to supporting and promoting the Rule of Law in regions where the concept is threatened or non-existent. With that in mind, SMF has established a powerful network of domestic and international partners. While initial efforts are focused in Cambodia, the advocacy campaign will gradually expand to encompass other regions.
We have been engaging global and local legal communities to apply pressure on the Cambodian government and justice system to aggressively combat corruption and complicity on the part of public officials. We work with local groups to demand that the government enact or amend legislation to effectively address the issue and to allocate more resources towards enforcement of these laws. Our advocacy goals are to make it more difficult and costly to engage in the crime, to increase the likelihood of apprehending criminals, and to make prosecution faster, safer, and more efficient.
To that end, SMF has established public-private partnerships designed to be effective alliances against trafficking. Cambodian governmental agencies work closely with SMF’s programs in Cambodia including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior and Justice, Mininstry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. SMF engages legal experts from around the world to conduct legal training seminars to ensure these governmental agencies are well-informed on the issue.
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“ When I first learned about Somaly Mam’s work I was so moved by the courage that this woman displays each day that I couldn’t help but want to be involved in helping her fight this battle. To see the young children that she’s saved from the shackles of sexual slavery is something that cannot help but bring joy to those that support her work. I encourage anyone that can to give selflessly to this very important cause and make a difference in the life of so many innocent young victims ”
– Veronica Varekova