Philippine Embassy in Cambodia Promotes a VAW-Free Community and Protection against Pandemic through Donation of Face Masks

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia aims to promote a VAW-free community and help protect individuals from the pandemic through a donation of face masks to the National Committee for Countering-trafficking in Persons (NCCT).

The environment-friendly reusable cotton face masks, bearing the English and Khmer theme of the Campaign “VAW-free community starts with me”, were donated on 27 November 2020 at the NCCT Office, as part of the Philippines’ annual observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), which started on 25 November and will end on 12 December 2020.

Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Ms. Myca Magnolia M. Fischer remarked that globally, a 16-day international campaign is observed from 25 November to 10 December annually; however, the Philippines extended this Campaign until December 12 to coincide with the historic signing in 2000 of the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, to supplement the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crimes, and thus would explain the Embassy’s choice of the recipient of the face masks. She also underscored the importance of continued cooperation of Cambodia and the Philippines, which are both sending countries of migrant workers, in the fight against trafficking in persons.

NCCT Vice Chairperson and Ministry of Interior Secretary of State H.E. Chou Bung Eng expressed her appreciation to the Philippine Embassy and acknowledged the significance of the face masks in promoting health and an end to violence against women. END