Thousands of foreign nationals recently released or escaped from Cambodian scamming compounds are in urgent need of humanitarian aid, according to statements by Amnesty International. These individuals, having been trafficked into the compounds, find themselves in dire circumstances without money, passports, medical care, or safe passage home. The call for aid highlights the serious human rights concerns being faced in the region. More details on the situation can be found on JURIST.
Amnesty International’s investigations included interviews with 35 survivors, all of whom were released or escaped within the past six weeks. Testimonies revealed horrifying abuses, with two pregnant women among the survivors reporting rape, and others witnessing deaths due to restricted medical access. Some survivors described severe punishments, including one instance where a man had his finger cut off. The regional research director for Amnesty International emphasized the urgent need for governmental intervention to facilitate safe repatriation, noting that many survivors lack the necessary resources to return home.
The Cambodian government has a legal obligation under international law to prevent forced labor and slavery within its borders. Despite this, the conditions at the scamming compounds—described by researchers as heavily fortified with surveillance cameras, barbed wire, and armed guards—persist. Survivors often entered these compounds under the false pretense of legitimate employment, only to be coerced into scams upon arrival.
While the reason for the recent mass releases remains unclear, it coincides with Cambodia’s pledge to intensify efforts against digital scams. The government participated in a meeting of the Commission for Combatting Online Scams (CCOS) earlier in the year, aimed at bolstering enforcement actions. This international scrutiny has been increasing, most notably with the extradition of Chen Zhi to China, where he faces charges related to scam operations, and the United States sanctioning him with substantial financial penalties.
The surge in international pressure, alongside the testimonies of those directly affected, underscores the need for a robust humanitarian response. Stakeholders continue to urge the Cambodian authorities to take immediate and decisive action to dismantle these compounds and support those who have suffered within them.