Prostitution in Cambodia is illegal[1] but Cambodia has a problem of sex tourism involving minors.[2][3][4][5] Some children are sold by their own parents. Others are lured by what they think are legitimate job offers like waitressing, but then are forced into prostitution. Children are often held captive, beaten, and starved to force them into prostitution.[6]
Statistics
A UNICEF survey concluded that 35 percent of Cambodia's 55,000 prostitutes are children under the age of 16.[7]
Conditions
Pimps are reported to imprison young children who are virgins and not put them to work until they've been presented to a series of bidders such as high-ranking military officers, politicians, businessmen and foreign tourists. Young girls working in brothels are in effect, sex slaves; they receive no money, only food, and armed guards stop them running away. [8] Children are often held captive, beaten, and starved to force them into prostitution.[9]
References
External links
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