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APNSW

Case Study

DESCRIPTION
Members of the Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers (APNSW) used digital video to document abusive conditions and human rights violations reported by sex workers detained in so-called 'rehabilitation' centres in Cambodia. While local media and politicians claimed that these centres were set up to teach vocational skills, sex workers interviewed after their release and escape told personal stories of assault, rape, and denial of access to clean food, water, and medicine. "We worked with a local APNSW member group, Women’s Network for Unity (WNU)," says Dale Kongmont, a member of APNSW and the producer of the video. "The people we interviewed are members of WNU and we have worked with them for many years. We explained to them what the video is about, and some of those who wanted to help fight the law directly agreed to the on-camera interview." APNSW posted the video on YouTube and blip.tv, and presented it at a day of action for 500 sex workers in Phnom Penh. Dale says, "One of the two centres was closed because of combined efforts of APNSW, WNU, and local human rights groups working together to provide evidence of the abuses that took place."

LEVEL Of DIFFICULTY: 2 out of 5

COST: USD$15,000 (with USD$7000 for staff, USD$5000 for production)

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