PHNOM PENH: Secretary of State for the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation and Secretary-General of the Disability Action Council, Em Chan Makara, recently lauded the progress Cambodia has made in the quality of life for persons with disability.

 At a meeting of the Disability Action Council (DAC), chaired by Minister of Social Affairs Chea Somethy on September 12, Sec. Em Chan Makara said that the disability sector has made significant progress over the last ten years, which has transformed the living conditions of persons with disabilities who officially have full rights as stipulated in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

He said that the DAC’s general secretariat has achieved a high level of success since its establishment in 2013, including establishing the government’s trust in formally ratifying the UN convention and implementing its strategies to make its policies a reality in Cambodia. He noted that Cambodia has sent 30 young persons with disabilities to global competitions in information technology since 2013 and that the competitors have brought home a total of 23 medals.

He also remarked on the council’s organization of sporting events and official days to celebrate people with autism and Down syndrome, a day for the deaf and Cambodia’s participation in the International Day of Disabled Persons. He noted that in 2018, the Ministry of Social Affairs joined with Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction to implement technical standards and infrastructure to make ceremonies and training sessions more accessible.

Following the Secretary of State’s presentation, Minister Chea Somethy praised the achievements made by the leaders and officials of the General Secretariat in their efforts to serve the disability sector. He then welcomed suggestions and held a meeting to discuss them with experts to find solutions.