Proud of Myself: Chhlong Sineang’s Advocacy for Safe Migration

In Kok Trach village, Cambodia, Chhlong Sineang, serving as a Safe Migration Ambassador, plays a crucial role in equipping local residents with essential knowledge for safer job migration to Thailand. This empowering initiative is part of Diakonia's collaborative effort with CENTRAL to address migration challenges and ensure the well-being of Cambodian workers.

“I am glad to be a Safe Migration Ambassador (SMA) in my village and I have committed to disseminating necessary information to community people so they can protect themselves before deciding to migrate to work in Thailand, and they can help each other”, said Chhlong Sineang.

Ms. Sineang is 25 years old and resides in Kok Trach village, Chnour commune, Preah Net Preah district, Banteay Mean Chey province. This area is located in the Northwest of Cambodia and shares a border with Thailand, where many Cambodian people, particularly the youth, have migrated to work as labor. She is one of the SMAs who has been selected and trained by CENTRAL since 2022. Before joining CENTRAL, she used to be a village volunteer for the World Vision organization in 2018 to educate and raise villagers’ awareness on health and nutrition.

“Since joining the project with CENTRAL, I have experienced significant growth in my abilities. With the knowledge acquired, I am now able to effectively facilitate the outreach activities in different targeted communities well. My skills have expanded including photography and video production, self-basic financial management, report writing, data entry, ICT, communication, facilitation, and union organizing. These skills have been instrumental in my work as an SMA.” she added.

Like many in Chnour commune, the youth of Kok Trach village, facing basic living conditions and debt, often migrate to Thailand for work. However, the majority lack proper documentation such as passports and work permits. Undocumented migrant workers, despite knowing the risks of exploitation and legal consequences are often enticed by brokers to seek a better life across the border.

To address the challenges of cross-border migration, Diakonia’s partner, CENTRAL, has implemented a project focused on educating Cambodians, particularly in remote areas, about safe migration. Their efforts also include lobbying government officials to lower passport and related fees. Additionally, CENTRAL has formed workers unions and built alliances with partners in Thailand to advocate for workers’ rights.

In a world marked by boundaries, the seeds of Chhlong Sineang's efforts continue to grow, reminding us that safe migration isn't just a journey across lands but a path towards dignity, security, and hope.