PHNOM PENH: The Minister of Interior, DPM Sar Kheng, has further instructed the Capital-Provincial Administration to continue paying attention to strengthening the implementation of construction projects as well as adjusting infrastructure to be more accessible and safer to use for persons with disabilities.

In a circular issued on Wednesday, 18 May, to all provincial governors, DPM Sar Kheng stated that the disability sector is part of the national development policy of the Royal Government of Cambodia. The policy states that the rights of persons with disabilities are protected by national and international law, entailing the protection of their rights and freedoms, the protection of their interests, the endeavor to prevent, reduce and eliminate discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the affirmed equal rights of persons with disabilities and non-persons with disabilities in social activities.

The DPM further instructed the Capital-Provincial Administration to continue paying attention to strengthening the implementation of construction projects, and to inspect the construction of public physical infrastructure, including administrative buildings, schools, educational institutions, hospitals, health centers, roads, sidewalks, public parks, bathrooms, parking lots, and more, to ensure they are accessible for persons with disabilities.

The DPM stated, "Incorporate physical infrastructure to serve and facilitate people with all kinds of disabilities, to be able to move in and out easily and safely and without hindrance. This must be implemented in accordance with the standards and techniques defined by the Inter-Ministerial Prakas and without obstacles, and must be in accordance with the technical standards set by the Inter-Ministerial Prakas No. 248 Soy Prok dated 28 November 2018, on the implementation of physical infrastructure techniques to facilitate persons with disabilities by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation.”

The Secretary of State for the Ministry of Social Affairs, and Secretary-General of the Disability Action Council, Em Chan Makara said that there are currently many changes being made in the capital and in the provinces, including the preparation of accessible roads, bathrooms, parking lots, and ramps for persons with disabilities, which the government and the private sector have taken joint action in organizing.

"Obviously, we can see in public places in Cambodia, gas stations, hospitals, shopping malls, there are a lot of changes that have alleviated the difficulties for persons with disabilities," he said.

Currently, there are more than 690,000 persons with disabilities in Cambodia, accounting for 4.9% of the total population of more than 16 million.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has set a vision for "Persons with disabilities and their families to have a good quality of life and be able to fully and equally participate in society with respect for rights and dignity, as well as a disability-inclusive environment in all areas of development.” The Government launched Phase 1 and 2 of the National Disability Strategic Plan, establishing offices of the Disability Action Council at the national and provincial levels to serve as the coordinator and consultant on disability issues, and to be responsible for raising awareness on disability issues across the country.