Cambodia has officially opened the country’s first specialist facility dedicated to child victims of serious crimes, a groundbreaking move for child protection in Southeast Asia.
The Lotus Centre, developed by the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF), represents a new era of care and justice for children who have suffered abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.
The centre is operated by CCF’s Child Protection Unit (CPU), an initiative launched in 2013 in partnership with the Cambodian National Police (CNP), which pairs international investigative experience with local law enforcement to tackle the most severe child abuse cases.
The Lotus Centre is entirely funded by a private donor.
Prime Minister Hun Manet officially opened the Lotus Centre on 23 July, joined by his wife, Pich Chanmony, as well as government ministers and officials.
The Prime Minister emphasised the government’s strong commitment to combating all forms of abuse throughout Cambodia. He praised the CPU for its efforts to protect the well-being of children and those vulnerable to harm.
“The Child Protection Unit has a long-term visit, a clear mission, and the right values that have been, and are acting, as a compass to guide this unit to continuous success in protecting Cambodian children,” said Manet.
Located in Takhmao City, Kandal Province—near Phnom Penh’s new international airport—the Lotus Centre is a one-stop facility where investigation, care, and protection converge under one roof.
Services at the centre include medical treatment, psychological support, safe accommodation, legal aid, and forensic analysis—all integrated into a child-friendly environment that prioritizes safety and healing.
“This facility stands as a symbol—not only of what we have achieved, but of what we are still building: a Cambodia where every child is safe, valued, and given the opportunity to live free from fear and harm,” said James McCabe, CPU’s Director of Operations.
“This goal could not have been achieved without my staff’s dedication and commitment to protecting children.”
The Lotus Centre will also house the CPU’s dedicated Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) team, a crucial component in the fight against a rapidly growing global threat.
Scott Neeson, Founder and Executive Director of CCF, highlighted the centre’s pivotal role in tackling online abuse.
“Through relationships with the US Department of Homeland Security, prospective online crimes are sent here for analysis and investigation with the Cambodian National Police,” said Neeson.
“Many arrests have been made, and a message sent that Cambodia has no tolerance for such crimes—and we are just warming up.”
Key Features of the Lotus Centre:
- On-site medical suites for immediate treatment
- Counselling and psychological support
- Safe accommodation and 24-hour care
- Forensics laboratory and blood analysis facilities
- Digital crimes and cyber investigation office
- Ambulance bay and triage area
- Training room for capacity building
- Co-location of child protection officers and police investigators
Beyond investigation and victim support, the centre is also set to become a regional training hub.
Certified trainers and subject matter experts will provide specialized training to local and national police, legal professionals, and social workers, strengthening the country’s child protection infrastructure.
“Since its inception, the CPU has handled more than 4,000 cases of serious crimes against children, achieving an impressive 83% arrest rate, surpassing the rates of many developed nations,” according to CCF.
“In just the first half of 2024, the CPU and CNP conducted 369 investigations, resulting in 295 arrests and 89 convictions, with offenders receiving a total of 643 years of prison time.”
The CPU also provided 176 children and their families with free legal representation during this period.
