DECEIVED INTO THE FISHING INDUSTRIES: CASE STUDIES OF TRAFFICKED CAMBODIAN WORKERS

Abstract

This thesis examines the Cambodian seafarer’s experiences of trafficking in persons for the purpose of forced labor and exploitative working conditions on fishing vessels. It also investigates the victim identification procedures implemented by operational authorities, and documents victim reintegration programs supported by government and non-governmental organizations prior to and following repatriation for trafficked/exploited victims. Cambodian migrant workers are vulnerable to trafficking in persons as a result of irregular recruitment practices and lack of effective control, monitoring and punishment for trafficking and exploitation. The study has revealed the existence of trafficking for forced labor based on a set of checklist indicators put forward by the International Labor Organization (ILO) Special Action Programme to Combat Forced Labor (SAP-FL). Using case study analysis, the results of the research identify five strong indicators that can lead to forced labor: (1) threat of physical violence in forms of emotional torture via insult, abusive language or verbal threat, (2) impose restrictions of movement on workers, (3) debt bondage, (4) identification document retention, and (5) threat of denunciation to the authorities. In addition, the research found that due to inadequate identification procedures, the victims are being the re-victimized. Trafficked/exploited victims have psychological concerns of being arrested, detained and deported back to the home country for illegal entry which prevent them from informing the crime of trafficking in persons to competent authorities. Lastly, trafficked/exploited victims have not adequately received immediate assistance and reintegration services in the host countries as regulated by the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. In actual implementation, Cambodian NGOs play a significant function to provide immediate support on arrival and reintegration planning for repatriated trafficked/exploited victims.