PHNOM PENH:  Minister of Information, Khieu Kanharith, has said that people with disabilities are a social force with the same capabilities as ordinary people, the most important thing we all have to do is support and protect them.

Speaking at the press conference of the 2nd Cambodian Song for the Disabled Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen Award on Saturday, March 26, at the Sofitel Phnom Penh, Minister Khieu Kanharith has praised the disabled people that although they are disabled, but their mind is not disabled. He has added that the support and protection of people with disabilities will encourage them to be comfortable and encourage their activities to participate in society more strongly.

 The minister has said; "We should not consider people with disabilities as a burden of society! They are able to live and work like normal people. All we have to do is support them, make sure they have full rights. Yes, disabled, but mentally not disabled! They are an important human resource for the development of the inseparable national economy."

 Currently, there are more than 500,000 people with disabilities in Cambodia, accounting for 4.9 percent of he total population of 16 million.

The Royal Government is planning to hold the second Cambodian singing contest for Persons with Disabilities program to encourage Cambodian people with disabilities throughout the country to express their abilities and showcase their artistic talents.

This program will start from April 2022 until May 2023, which determines the location of the opening program in Phnom Penh, the semi-finals in Sihanoukville and the finals in Siem Reap.