Background
On 13 February 2026, the Ministry of Health, represented by Undersecretary of State Ban Butta and Assistant Professor Kim Savoun, officially launched the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) handbook to support the implementation of the 2024-2028 Anti-Human Trafficking Action Plan. The launch event took place under the chairmanship of Madam Jou Bun Eng, Vice Chair of the National Committee for Counter Trafficking in Persons (NCCT), at the Ministry of Interior premises in Phnom Penh.
Scope of Application
The MEL handbook applies to all actors involved in the implementation of the Anti-Human Trafficking Action Plan for 2024-2028 at the national level. It aims to provide systematic monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness and achievement of the annual action plans and the national five-year strategic objectives against human trafficking.
Key Provisions or Decisions
- Guaranteeing effectiveness and success in implementing annual action plans aligned with the five-year national strategy through defined indicators.
- Enabling Cambodia’s compliance with the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration by serving as a response to the Compact’s objectives.
- Providing a foundation for policy review and improvement recommendations related to anti-human trafficking legislation and regulations based on implementation results.
- Generating data to support ongoing improvements in action plan execution.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The MEL handbook provides a formalized framework for assessing progress and compliance in Cambodia’s anti-human trafficking initiatives, which may influence government policy reviews and regulatory adjustments. This standardized tool supports transparency and accountability, relevant for government entities, NGOs, and international partners involved in combating human trafficking within Cambodia.
Official Source
Ministry of Health Facebook Post, 15 February 2026
