PHNOM PENH: The Secretary of State of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Secretary-General of Disability Action Council, Em Chan Makara, has emphasized the importance of ensuring the convenience of persons with disabilities in respect of equal rights, providing justice and helping persons with disabilities show their talents and find job opportunities. He made this statement during the training of national trainers on "Physical Infrastructure to Facilitate" the second generation in Phnom Penh, on Monday morning, 30 May.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Social Affairs, Vong Sauth, Secretary of State Em Chan Makara said that in the past as well as in the present, Prime Minister Hun Sen, the Honorary Chairman of Disability Action Council, launched a National Disability Strategic Plan with consideration given to the provision of facilities, including making improvements in physical infrastructure and equipment, public transport, communication, knowledge, and information technology systems, as well as other tools and services for persons with disabilities. He said that the Head of the Royal Government has taken great consideration to ensure equal rights and respect, stating that "persons with disabilities have the same rights as others, including the right to participate fully in community life."

The Secretary of State added that many persons with disabilities already have a difficult life compared to others, so as people living in civil society, it is our duty to help those in need. Persons with disabilities add diversity to communities, and that diversity enriches these communities. He continued that if persons with disabilities can be integrated into the community, they will have more opportunities to make friends and more people will get to know them.

He said, "Failure to ensure facilities or provide comfort for persons with disabilities will result in the loss of vital skills and the vital power of persons with disabilities. Society's refusal to provide employment opportunities, education, or other services for persons with disabilities is not only unfair but also a disregard for human resources, depriving society of good resources. Facilitation means that persons with disabilities can become customers, and increase sales volume and profits for all kinds of business operations, which improves the business and the economy. Moreover, if the company is a good place for customers with disabilities to do business, the company's reputation will be more famous and positive."

According to Secretary of State Em Chan Makara, the provision of facilities for persons with disabilities is being taken into account when new public spaces are designed and/or constructed. Public spaces are being renovated, including historic buildings, and when renovating infrastructure for persons with disabilities or restoring public spaces, it is important that designers, architects, builders, and persons with disabilities themselves think about the best ways to ensure accessibility.

He said, "This does not mean that the authorities are only involved in enforcing the law, but also to attract benefits from both national and international tourists, which allows developers to get back more revenue from improving the convenience of parks (public spaces)."

He called on all ministries, institutions, companies, and private sector actors to ask for help, discuss and work with persons with disabilities when developing future projects.

In recent years, the disability sector in Cambodia has become more prominent, as evidenced by the many achievements that have been made, such as the creation of model slopes for some commune buildings, the provision of rehabilitation services, vocational education, employment, and preparation of infrastructure to serve persons with disabilities. Many centers have been built and put into operation such as the National Center for Persons with Disabilities, as well as a Rehabilitation Center and Treatment Center for Persons with Disabilities.

In addition, the government has designated persons with disabilities as a priority group for the Covid-19 vaccine. The government has also permitted persons with disabilities to test for driver’s licenses to protect and renew awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities, in response to the needs and development of society.

In a circular issued on Wednesday, 18 May, the Minister of Interior, Sar Kheng, ordered the Capital-Provincial Administration to continue improving infrastructure to make it more accessible, easier and safer to use for persons with disabilities without obstacles, by strengthening the implementation of construction projects as well as by inspecting and modifying the construction of public physical infrastructure, including administrative buildings, schools, educational institutions, hospitals, health centers, road networks, sidewalks, public parks, bathrooms, parking lots, and more.

According to a report by Disability Action Council, there are currently more than 690,000 persons with disabilities in Cambodia, accounting for 4.9% of the total population of more than 16 million.