STUNG TRENG: The Governor of Stung Treng Province, Svay Sam Eang, has instructed all departments and units under the provincial administration to strengthen the implementation of construction projects, as well as to inspect and adjust the construction of public physical infrastructure, to ensure they are accessible and safe for persons with disabilities.

In a letter dated 18 August, Governor Svay Sam Eang informed the provincial heads of departments and units, the governors and chiefs of districts and communes, that this push is to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities are protected as stated under the National Development Policy of the Royal Government for the protection of the rights, freedoms, and interests of persons with disabilities, to prevent, reduce and eliminate discrimination.

The letter stated, "Action must be taken to strengthen the implementation of construction projects, as well as to regulate the construction of public physical infrastructure, including administrative buildings, schools, educational institutions, hospitals, health centers, roads, sidewalks, parks, public toilets, parking lots, etc., ensuring that physical infrastructure serves, and is easy to access, for persons with all kinds of disabilities, allowing them to be able to move in and out [of these buildings and infrastructure] easily and safely and without hindrance."

Last May, the Minister of Interior, Sar Kheng, also instructed the Capital-Provincial Administration to continue paying attention to strengthening the implementation of construction projects and adjusting infrastructure to become more accessible for persons with disabilities.

"The disability sector is under the National Development Policy of the Royal Government of Cambodia," he said.

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

The Royal Government of Cambodia has set a vision for "Persons with disabilities and their families to have a good quality of life, being able to fully and equally participate in society, with respect to rights and dignity, as well as ensuring an inclusiveness environment in all areas of development."

The Government's National Disability Strategic Plan, Phase 1 and 2, established Disability Action Councils (DACs) at the national and provincial levels to serve as a mechanism and responsible body for the coordination and consultation of disability issues, working towards raising high awareness and overseeing disability issues in all areas in Cambodia.