Human rights organizations criticize the way detained children are treated in Cambodia’s jails. A coalition of local and international groups has called on the government to pass legislation to protect these children.
They say that there are approximately 500 juvenile prisoners in the country’s prisons.
These children are put into the same cell with adult inmates, and there can be as many as 60 inmates in a single cell.
Usually, the children are faced with food shortage, poor hygiene and poor living conditions.
Minister of Justice Ang Vong Vatana cannot be reached for comment. However, Chiv Keng, president of the Phnom Penh Municipal court says that although he agrees with the request, he does not think Cambodia is ready, due to a lack of resources.