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Cambodian Officials Receive UN Training on Disabled Rights

SIHANOUKVILLE: Members of Sihanoukville’s Disability Action Council (DAC) are convening for a three-day training session meant to further equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to fulfil their commitment to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the course on May 30 was Roueida El Hage, Representative of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Cambodia, who made clear the mission for all in attendance.

The training is focused on familiarizing DAC members and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation with the UN’s “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), International Human Rights Standards and National Norms Protecting Persons with Disabilities,” which Cambodia signed in 2012, proving their commitment to improving human rights in the emerging country.

During her speech, El Hage clarified the term “disability”, which is often limited or misunderstood. She emphasized that the term encompasses a wide range of impairments, both seen and unseen, and can include mental illness, sensory impairments and intellectual challenges. More importantly, disabilities can be permanent or transitory, meaning anyone could fall into the category at various points in their lives. It is not simply a fixed subsection of people.

The OHCHR follows a four-point mandate to achieve its mission of equal rights and opportunities for all. It starts with raising awareness and educating people and institutions on the broad spectrum of disability. They also work with relevant stakeholders by offering guidance, facilitating better accessibility at institutions and creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to engage in the progress being made. El Hage reaffirmed the OHCHR commitment to assisting and collaborating with Cambodia’s DAC to achieve their shared goals.

At the ceremony, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Em Chan Makara, reaffirmed that all persons with disabilities have the right to choose their jobs freely, enjoy decent and favorable working conditions, and receive assistance from employment programs. He also emphasized their right to quality physical, mental and reproductive healthcare that is affordable and accessible-specifically noting the importance of access to medical services at rehabilitation centers and public hospitals.

El Hage thanked Sec. Em Chan Makara, along with the DAC for their commitment to working with the UN towards improving and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in Cambodia. She commended the DAC efforts in finalizing its State report, which she looks forward to reviewing.



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