In Cambodia, thousands of workers are escaping from dangerous scam compounds where they have been subjected to exploitation and trafficking. This unprecedented surge has overwhelmed the Caritas shelter, the only facility dedicated to assisting these victims. Mark Taylor, who works on human trafficking issues in the country, describes the situation as a 'triage' scenario due to the high influx of individuals needing urgent assistance. As of last week, the shelter was accommodating around 150 people, despite operating with reduced staff and funding. The Cambodian government reported that in January, they deported over 1,620 foreign nationals from 21 countries linked to these scam operations. Authorities have implemented a screening process to differentiate between victims and perpetrators, providing necessary services such as shelter, medical care, and help for safe repatriation. However, the shelter's resources have been stretches thin following cuts in funding from international organizations, including USAID and IOM, which previously provided financial support. As a consequence, the shelter, which is unable to accommodate all the new arrivals, has become a focal point for desperate cases, some of whom have turned to private rescue efforts. Among those affected, Li Ling, a rescuer, indicates that she has a list of 223 individuals, primarily from Uganda and Kenya, seeking assistance to return home after escaping from these compounds. Unfortunately, many have found the embassies unclear and unhelpful, leading to frustration and confusion as victims are trapped in a cycle of dependency. Ling highlights the systemic breakdown faced by victims who are caught trying to navigate a complex and uncooperative network of organizations and governments. The pressing situation has led individuals to risk their lives attempting to escape, with some choosing dangerous routes to get to safety. A story has emerged of one individual escaping the compounds on their own, indicating the extent of desperation among those trapped in this situation. As the violence related to these scam operations has tended to decrease independent media coverage, the human rights situation in Cambodia continues to deteriorate. Consequently, many victims find themselves with no clear path toward rebuilding their lives and are left seeking basic human dignity amidst their struggles.