Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour Rejects Baseless and Unprofessional Report by Human Rights Watch

His Excellency Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training for the Kingdom of Cambodia

Phnom Penh, 26 November 2025 – On Wednesday evening, 26 November 2025, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training of the Kingdom of Cambodia issued a formal statement strongly rejecting what it described as a false, unprofessional, and unsubstantiated report released by Human Rights Watch, which alleged that the Ministry has engaged in intimidation and violence against workers in Cambodia.

According to the Ministry, since 8 June 2025, Cambodian migrant workers returning home have been welcomed with care and dignity. The Government of Cambodia has arranged transit centers, provided free transportation to hometowns, assisted with carrying personal belongings, and supplied clean drinking water and refreshments. In addition, authorities have helped workers with identity documentation and coordinated with microfinance institutions to grant repayment deferments.

At the same time, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, in cooperation with local authorities and relevant institutions, launched the national campaign “Khmer Help Khmer Find Jobs and Provide Jobs for Khmer”, enabling workers to register for employment opportunities via hotline 1297 and the official Telegram. This campaign has empowered Cambodian citizens — including members of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia — to support returning workers in securing jobs without unnecessary travel or administrative burdens.

Furthermore, the Ministry has organized 577 community-based job forums in communes with large numbers of returnees, bringing representatives of enterprises, companies, factories, and farms directly to communities for on-site job interviews. The Ministry has also coordinated technical and vocational training programs to help workers acquire new skills for employment or livelihoods within their local communities.

As a result of these concerted efforts, the Ministry reports that more than 280,000 returning workers have now secured employment in the formal sector, with around 80,000 additional job vacancies currently available and more being prepared.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training calls on the public to verify information responsibly and refrain from spreading misleading and inaccurate content irresponsibly disseminated by Human Rights Watch.