Cambodia remains one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia and in terms of the Human Development Index; it ranks just below Myanmar and India. Cambodia’s Population in 2005 is estimated to be 13.8 million with 36 percent of the population living below the national poverty line and 34 percent of the population living on less than $1 per day.
The United Nations reports Cambodia has the highest HIV prevalence rate in Southeast Asia, however the country has made some progress in terms of decreasing that rate in the last few years.
Asia is mainly an origin region as well as a destination for trafficking in persons, with Asian victims reported to be trafficked from Asia to Asian countries, in particular to Thailand, Japan, India, Taiwan and Pakistan. Cambodia is a source, destination and transit country for women and children trafficked for sexual exploitation.
Poverty, lack of education, debt, culture of sacrifice, the attraction of perceived higher standards of living elsewhere, lack of employment opportunities, organized crime, violence against women and children, discrimination against women, armed conflict, oppression, political instability and corruption, are often stated as being factors which contribute to the causes of trafficking.

The foundation's support

At its 29 January 2009 meeting, the Foundation's Selection Committee decided to grant €77,000 to AFESIP, to implement its project.