PHNOM PENH: The Secretary of State of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth, and Secretary-General of the Disability Action Council (DAC), Em Chan Makara, has urged for more consideration to be given to hiring persons with disabilities in public and private institutions, as well as in appointing competent officials with disabilities in higher positions.

Speaking at the National Workshop on the Progress of the Implementation of the National Disability Strategic Plan 2019-2023, Secretary of State Em Chan Makara said that although the Covid-19 crisis is somewhat easing, the situation and development of disability rights in Cambodia remains fragile and susceptible to new crises and complex challenges in a series of economic, social, environmental and geopolitical aspects.

He urged members of DAC to continue cooperating in all fields in order to integrate disability rights into the activities of all ministries, institutions and at the sub-national level, in an open and inclusive manner. In addition, he said it is necessary to further improve the incentives provided for persons with disabilities to work in ministries, public and private institutions, with particular consideration given to position and rank. This includes promoting officials with disabilities that display their hard work and abilities as much as possible, responding effectively to the implementation of the National Disability Strategic Plan.

"Indispensable multi-sectoral contribution from relevant ministries, institutions, development partners, the private sector and civil society is required to further strengthen the development of a more inclusive disability sector," he said.

The Secretary of State also called for more consideration to be given to boosting economic activity, trade and investment in the disability sector, especially the promotion of more direct investments from the private sector, and maximizing benefits from various existing programs. Additionally, he said there is a need to strengthen disability coordination mechanisms at both the national and sub-national levels for better cooperation in managing the many issues that persons with disabilities face.

In 2022, a total of 3,748 persons with disabilities were recorded to be working across 37 ministries and public institutions. From this total, 862 were women with disabilities, indicating an increase of more than 2% compared to 2021, while 5,839 persons with disabilities were recorded to be working in the private sector, including 3,836 women.