In Cambodia, survivors of trafficking, modern slavery, and sexual abuse are rebuilding their lives through the Chab Dai Protection Project. With legal support, trauma-informed care, and practical assistance, survivors are finding justice, safety, and the opportunity to move forward with dignity and hope.
Between 2023 and 2025, International Needs New Zealand (INNZ) supported Chab Dai Coalition’s Protection Project in Cambodia, walking alongside survivors of human trafficking, modern slavery, and sexual abuse as they rebuilt their lives.
What began as a Legal Support Project has grown into a fully integrated Protection Project—bringing together legal aid, case management, psychosocial care, and reintegration support under one survivor-centred approach. This holistic model recognises that while justice is vital, survivors also need practical support, safety, and long-term opportunities to rebuild their lives.
Over the past three years, 95 survivors accessed the court system, and 81 cases resulted in convictions. In 2025 alone, 23 survivors received legal aid, with courts issuing 19 verdicts and sentencing perpetrators to prison terms of up to 12 years. Compensation was awarded in every case, though enforcement remains a challenge.
Justice, however, is only one part of healing.
In 2025, 44 survivors received integrated case management and emergency assistance, including safe shelter, food, medical care, and family reintegration support. Twenty child survivors received trauma-informed counselling, helping strengthen resilience and support their emotional recovery.
For one young survivor of rape, safety began with something simple: a restroom. Without basic sanitation, she faced daily risks. Working with her family and local authorities, the team helped construct a secure toilet at home.
“Now, I feel safe and secure,” she shared.
A practical intervention restored dignity, privacy, and peace of mind.
Another survivor, trafficked and exploited overseas for nine years, returned to Cambodia determined to seek justice. With legal and psychosocial support, she testified in court. The perpetrator was sentenced to eight years in prison, and compensation was awarded.
“I stand in court not only for my justice, but for other women,” she said.
Beyond crisis response, survivors also accessed vocational training, education support, and small livelihood initiatives—helping them build independence and reduce the risk of re-exploitation.
The Impact of the August Appeal
In August 2025, International Needs New Zealand invited supporters to join hands with the Chab Dai Project in Cambodia—an organisation courageously working to support survivors of sexual slavery and trafficking.
Through this appeal, we shared Samnang’s story, highlighting the urgent need for survivors to receive not only legal advocacy, but also wraparound support including emergency aid, trauma care, and vocational training. The appeal called on supporters to help provide survivors with justice, safety, healing, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Thanks to the generosity of supporters across Aotearoa, NZD $31,000 was raised to strengthen Chab Dai’s life-changing work. This support helps ensure survivors can access legal representation, safe accommodation, trauma-informed counselling, and reintegration support as they rebuild their lives.
We are also exploring a potential partnership with the New Zealand Government and Chab Dai from 2027 to strengthen and expand this work even further. We look forward to sharing more as plans develop.
Thank you for standing with survivors and helping restore dignity, safety, and hope.