PHNOM PENH: The Secretary of State for the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation and Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of Disability Action Council, Em Chan Makara, has said that Cambodia is committed to adhering to the principles of respect for basic human rights, especially the rights of persons with disabilities, to build the necessary foundation needed for the successful implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the country.

Speaking at the Basic Training on Psychological Counseling and the Minimum Standards for Basic Counseling for Women and Girl Victims of Gender-Based Violence, organized by TPO Cambodia on Tuesday morning, Secretary of State Em Chan Makara said that with only nine years left until the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Cambodia must work hard towards achieving these goals as planned. He added that only by mobilizing and optimizing the use of resources in cooperation with all stakeholders can Cambodia achieve the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), especially violence against women and girls with disabilities.

He said, "Violence against women and girls with disabilities is a global concern, the problem is complex and widespread, and has negative economic, social and health consequences for women and their families. Families and communities affected by violence are losing out on many benefits, especially those related to family relationships. Increasing self-confidence for women and girls with disabilities affected by violence, family unity, and trust, is an opportunity for the improvement of community engagement, progress and development."

The Secretary of State called for making joint efforts to end GBV and domestic violence, especially to prevent physical, sexual, economic or emotional harm to women or girls with disabilities. He also said that he considers the training organized by TPO this morning to be very important for the leaders and officials of the General Secretariat of Disability Action Council, as it is an important forum to learn the best methods to provide psychological counseling for women and children affected by GBV, as well as to receive recommendations on the best practices for prevention and reduction of violence against women and girls with disabilities.

According to Secretary of State Em Chan Makara, even during the heightened risk of Covid-19, working with the community to prevent GBV and domestic violence is absolutely necessary. He added that the prevention of violence against women and girls with disabilities is a complex and difficult issue to address because of the confluence of poverty, gender, violence, disability and deep cultural and systemic barriers in society.