Protecting those who cannot protect themselves
In cooperation with the Cambodia National Police
Our History
The CCF Child Protection Unit (CPU) is a unique organisation which officially commenced operations on the 10th of July 2013 under the authority of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Cambodian Ministry of Interior. Since its inception the CPU has expanded to include all 25 provinces across Cambodia. The CPU is being recognised as a leader in the investigation of serious crimes committed against children, for the care and support provided to child victims and the forensics services utilized during investigations.
Within every society, there are few priorities greater than the protection of its children. The CPU has made real change in the national approach to child abuse and ensures all serious crimes committed against children are now investigated with the use of crime scene investigators. Working with the Cambodian National Police - not around them - has meant the CPU model has been effective in the most under-resourced and remote locations with remarkable cost-effectiveness.
Our Mission - “to protect those who cannot protect themselves”
Aim
The Child Protection Unit in partnership with the Cambodia National Police and supporting organizations are committed to providing the highest level of service to all child victims of abuse or assault regardless of gender, cultural background or impairment.
Child Protection Unit - Who we are
Introduction
CCF's Child Protection Unit provides a variety of services to child victims including; victim aftercare, legal representation of child victims, investigative support and resources, major crime coordination, training and capacity building to detect offences and prosecute those that commit horrific crimes against children.
Within every society, there are few priorities greater than the protection of its children. The CPU has made real change in the national approach to child abuse and ensures all serious crimes committed against children are now investigated with the use of crime scene investigators. Working with the Cambodian National Police - not around them - has meant the CPU model has been effective in the most under-resourced and remote locations with remarkable cost-effectiveness.
Cambodia National Police
In cooperation with the Cambodia National Police
The Cambodian National Police in co-operation with the CPU have had some remarkable success and undertaken some outstanding work and I will take this opportunity to thank the Commissioner General Neth Savoeun and the Cambodian National Police Command for their support and commitment to combatting crimes against children.
The CPU is the first NGO to introduce standard forensic tests such as Luminol, human blood reagents and semen testing kits into Cambodia, as well as providing expert training in their uses - this has provided corroborating evidence of the child’s testimony leading to a high percentage of arrests and successful prosecutions. As a result the CPU has disrupted the sense of impunity felt towards serious abuses of children
CPU Scope of Operations
The CPU operates under the authority of an MOU entered into with the Ministry of Interior. The MOU permits the CPU to “Contribute to Humanitarian Acts and Criminal Justice for Juveniles in the Kingdom of Cambodia” and work in conjunction with the Cambodian National Police to conduct and assist in the investigations of crimes committed against children; it also permits the gathering and dissemination of intelligence and the conduct of training courses for the National Police.
The MOU has been extended on 2 occasions, firstly in 2016 and more recently on the 12th of September 2019 for an additional 3-year period. The CPU now operates in ALL 25 Provinces of Cambodia on a 24/7 basis and provides
additional investigative and forensic support in major operations and investigations outside its normal scope of operations when requested by the CNP.
The CPU has 4 dedicated units operating within the organisation: Homicide Investigation Team (HIT) is resourced by both Western and Cambodian experienced investigators who guide, coordinate and assist the investigation into the homicide of child victims across the country utilising best practices and modern investigative techniques.
Forensic Services Team (FST) Is a specialist team of both Western experts and highly qualified Cambodian experts. The FST provides forensic investigative support not only to the homicide team but in any case the CNP require additional expertise.
Office of Victim and Family Services (OVFS) is a dedicated group of staff committed to providing all available resources to victims and their families. This office oversees all welfare, medical, legal and support services being offered to all victims and their families.
Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) is resourced by both Western and Cambodian investigators and is tasked with the investigation and prevention of crimes being committed against children on the internet. This is the newest office of the CPU and shows our commitment in ensuring we respond to all emerging and current trends in crimes against children.
Training & Capacity Building
Essential to the success of the CPU is the capacity building and training of the Cambodian National Police. In 2019 the CPU conducted 5 specialist training courses across the country, which have been designed specifically for the investigation of serious crimes against children and for the Cambodian operating environment. All courses were presented by qualified international trainers, experienced law enforcement officers, solicitors and forensic experts from around the world including the United Kingdom and Australia. The CPU is extremely fortunate and grateful to have such a group of individuals willing to assist in the training and capacity building of the CNP.
In cooperation with
Partnerships and Service Directories
Links
