Traditional norms relegate women to an inferior status, and domestic violence is common. There are several thousand street children in Phnom Penh, and child prostitution is a significant problem. Several independent trade unions exist. Factory conditions are poor and employers flout international labor norms with impunity. Authorities barred the Free Trade Union of Workers, Cambodia s largest union, from holding a May Day march in Phnom Penh to protest against low wages and poor working conditions.
Official corruption is widespread.
Cambodia is a haven for international criminals, money laundering, gun running, drug trafficking, illegal logging, and mainland Chinese prostitution rings. Many prostitutes are subject to violence and are forced to work against their will, having been kidnapped, duped, or sold to brothel owners by relatives.