PHNOM PENH: June is a big month for children’s rights with Cambodia celebrating the 74th International Children’s Day on June 1st and World Day Against Child Labor on June 12th. Prime Minister Hun Sen noted in a press release today that children are an invaluable resource to national development.
The Royal Government adopted the Rectangular Strategy for Growth, Employment, Equity and Efficiency in 2004, which identified “people” as the top priority. The well-being, safety and development of children build a strong foundation for Cambodia’s potential in the future.
The statement emphasized that the government has implemented measures towards fulfilling a clear vision that promotes the rights and interests of children by ensuring that families and communities enjoy a high quality of life and live in freedom, dignity, equality and security, in accordance with the Constitution.
The government’s statement also discussed the importance of improving healthcare by promoting reproductive health, providing nutrition to children and reducing maternal, infant and child mortality rates. A recent report to the WHO showed that the mortality rates have decreased significantly over the last 20 years, which puts the country much closer to its 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. As of 2022, about 94% of all children aged 0-4 had birth certificates and the number increases as access to hospital deliveries improves.
In terms of education, the government says that enrolment is up in all school districts, especially for primary schools. They have taken measures to improve the quality and responsiveness of education services through professional development for teachers and incentives that foster autonomy, accountability and leadership in the education management.
The Royal Government is currently implementing the first phase of the Child Protection System 2019-2025. The system was put in place to respond to the growing threats posed to children by digital development including kidnapping, trafficking, exploitation, online sexual abuse and other crimes that affect mental and physical health.
In 2019, the Cambodia National Council for Children studied the emerging situation of online sexual exploitation of children in Cambodia. Based on the results of the analysis, a multi-step plan for 2021-2025 was put into effect to prevent online sexual abuse. The council also released national guidelines for online child protection to raise awareness of risks and to address them in a holistic way.
In an effort to achieve Cambodia’s goals in protecting and promoting the best interests of children, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation has been asked to prepare a draft law on child protection, which will provide legal documentation for children’s rights and the many issues involved.
