Longdy Advocates for Human Trafficking Survivors at UN Assembly

On the 22 November 2021, New York – a former survivor of human trafficking and now Hagar Cambodia counselor and trainer, Longdy Chhap will be appearing as a panelist at the United Nations General Assembly for the 2021 Appraisal of the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons.

The event will be officially broadcast on UN WebTV.

The purpose of the meeting was to assess the progress made to date in combatting human trafficking, any gaps and challenges, including the implementation of the relevant instruments.

We at Hagar believe it’s important to have the voice of survivors shape the dialogue when we are seeking solutions in the fight against human trafficking, and we are proud to empower survivors to amplify their voices in this way.

Longdy believes in the importance of all humans playing their own small part in seeing change in this space. This is why he is so passionate to continue to advocate for victims and survivors of human trafficking, who have endured the trauma he experienced.

“I may not be able do everything at one time, but at least I can do something in this time.
If you just start by doing something, even it’s a small act, it can bring a smile to both you and someone else.” – says Longdy Chhap.

Having contracted Polio at age 4 and his family lacking the funds to cover his medical bills, Longy’s parents agreed to let a broker take him all the way to Thailand to beg on the streets and earn money for the family.

Little did they know that they would never see a dollar come their way and that Longdy had in fact been tricked into being trafficked to Thailand.

If Londgy would make no money, the brokers would give him no food to eat. He would also often get beaten by other homeless people on the street and they would take his money and run. However, Longdy could not even stand on his own two feet to chase after them.

Fortunately, the local police rescued Longdy and he was brought back to Cambodia and referred into Hagar’s care.

Fast forward many years, Longdy not only found freedom, he studied to become a counsellor and is now working with Hagar Cambodia as both a counsellor and trauma-informed care trainer. He’s also a husband, father and a world advocate to combat human trafficking.

“I was once a beggar, but now I’m a counsellor.” – says Longdy Chhap.

You can learn more about Longdy’s incredible story here.

Son endured extreme abuse by the hands of her father for a long time and after finding this out, her mother who worked overseas for the majority of her childhood immediately returned home to Vietnam to seek justice for Son.

In collaboration with the National Hotline 111 for child protection, Son was admitted under Hagar’s care and received safe accommodation and psychotherapy. After nearly a month of receiving Hagar’s accommodation services, they had decided to return to their hometown to restart a new life.

However, there were initial difficulties in their relationship as the long absence of her mother had created a distance between them. This led Son to move back in with her brother and grandparents, where she felt more connected. Hagar has worked to become a bridge between them with social counseling, narrowing the gaps and misunderstandings in their relationship.

This summer was an important milestone in Son’s life, as she had successfully completed the high school entrance exam and received admission into a preeminent high school in the her province. This is a splendid achievement that demonstrates Son’s ability and strong will. To encourage her energy and prepare for this new journey, Hagar will continue to support her.

“Son is a young girl with full of positive energy. From the moment she entered Hagar’s program, I have seen her grow up and become more mature day by day. Compared to her peers, Son has become a thoughtful and independent person. Son is always moving forward and never let the obstacles of the past prevent her from breaking through. She has a plan for her future and dares to dream higher. This is because Son wants to become the best version of herself, which is not easy for anyone, especially for a 15-year-old girl like her.”