Cambodian human-rights activist brings crusade to Westport

Human-rights activist Mu Sochua, a Cambodian parliamentarian who leads the opposition party and advocates for justice and rehabilitation for victims of human trafficking, cheered yesterday's release of Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest in Burma. "We cannot stop being vigilant," Mu Sochua told 200 people gathered at Westport's Seabury Center on Saturday night.

Sponsored by the Connecticut Council of Vital Voices, an international non-profit organization that trains and empowers women in developing countries, Mu Sochua and director Guy Jacobson were in Westport to publicly screen "Redlight," a documentary film that shares the stories of four children who were kidnapped, raped and sold into prostitution before they were 14 years old.

"Redlight" will also be shown this afternoon at the Ridgefield Playhouse at 4 p.m. Sunday.

Like Aung San Suu Kyi, Mu Sochua recently learned that a lawsuit that would have sent her to prison was dismissed. However, Mu Sochua continues to campaign for her causes as she travels throughout Cambodia's small villages, talking to people and trying to help children who are vulnerable to human traffickers. "I call it `barefoot democracy,' " Mu Sochua smiled.

As vividly depicted in "Redlight," Mu Sochua also helps children who are victims of human trafficking. The goal, she said, is to turn them into survivors. Despite legislation prohibiting such crimes, corruption has allowed perpetrators to escape punishment, she said. In fact, the film blatantly stated that, even when the criminals are identified, it's the responsibility of the young victims to round up witnesses and evidence to back up their claims.

In some cases, the children's parents are the ones who sell them to the brothels. And, one mother said on camera that if she were to receive $10 a month again, she would sell her second daughter, too, when she is older. In this situation, the older sister took her sibling to Somaly Mam, a former child prostitute who now operates safe houses and rehabilitation centers for young children.

In praise of Mu Sochua's perseverance, Jacobson told those gathered that during the filming of "Redlight" he employed 40 bodyguards carrying automatic machine guns for protection. "I was told that there were contracts out on me from the Chinese and Cambodian mafias, and this was just because I was making a movie about human trafficking," he said. "This puts into perspective the work that Mu Sochua does daily -- and she does it without any bodyguards. She is an incredible woman, doing incredible work."

Shaking off the compliments, Mu Sochua, who was in exile for 18 years after her parents put her on plane to escape the genocide sweeping through Cambodia, returned to her country committed to helping rebuild it. In 1998 she was appointed minister for women's affairs. This is where her work as a champion for children's and women's rights began. A member of Parliament since 2008, Mu Sochua has spoken out against a government that she perceives as a corrupt dictatorship.

"If you're going to be for human rights, what is important is that you stand on your principles at all times," Mu Sochua said. She feels inspired and hopeful about Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's recent visit to Cambodia and her public commitment to support Mu Sochua's opposition party. She urged the Westport community to write to legislators and implore them to also support these efforts. "This is an action you can take," she said.

All proceeds from Saturday night's event will be used to support Mu Sochua's programs in Cambodia. Although she does not seek financial support, Mu Sochua expressed appreciation to the attendees for watching the film -- disturbing, at times, for its realistic and heart-wrenching portrayal of children's plight -- and she said that it's by making people aware of the existence of human trafficking that changes may occur.

Jacobson pointed out that child prostitution doesn't only occur "over there." Danelle Ragoonanan-Storph, director of Bridgeport-based Project Rescue and Assist New America, agreed that similar activities occur in Fairfield County.

Roberta Cooper, co-president of the Connecticut chapter of Vital Voices, of Westport, said she was impressed by Mu Sochua's humanitarian efforts when they initially met four years ago at one of the organization's global summits. "We've since become friends," she noted. "The response that we've had tonight shows that this is an issue that people really care about."

Contributions can be made to Vital Voices Global Partnership. They are tax-deductible. Checks may be sent to Roberta Cooper, c/o P.O. Box 3363, Westport, CT. For more information, contact Cooper at robertacooper@optonline.net.