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Easy Access Ramped Up for Cambodians with Disabilities

Phnom Penh: Life is steadily getting easier for people with disabilities in Cambodia. On Thursday, 22 access ramps were distributed in five provinces. They’ve been installed in 22 community halls. At the same time, a series of physical-accessibility awareness videos have been launched. Both projects are supported by the Australian Embassy, through the Australia-Cambodia Cooperation for Sustainable and Equitable Services, or ACCESS program.

ACCESS is a five-year Australian Government initiative in Cambodia, running through until 2023. ACCESS says it reflects Australia’s strong commitment to supporting human rights, gender equality and disability-inclusive development in the region. On Thursday, 22 access ramps were installed at community halls in Kampong Speu, Kampong Cham, Siem Reap, Battambang and Kratie. Secretary of State in the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Em Chan Makara, who is also Secretary-General of the Disability Action Council says the ramps might be small, but they send a big signal to the rest of the country.


Makara says, “Disability work is vast, interconnected, and complex. However, the Royal Government of Cambodia, with Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister and Honorary Chairman of the Disability Action Council and His Excellency the Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation and Chairman of the Disability Action Council and Leading at all levels, technical officers have tried and overcome difficulties in collaboration with development partners to improve the disability sector and improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. Under the bilateral cooperation between the Government of Cambodia and Australia, Cambodia is receiving support on disability and gender issues under a competitive investment mechanism managed and operated by ACCESS.” He thanked the Australian government for their support through the ACCESS program, saying it has strengthened cooperation between government agencies, the United Nations, NGOs, civil society and other organizations, making the voices of people with disabilities louder than ever.


Australian Deputy Ambassador Andreas Zurburgg has highlighted that promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in Cambodia is his focus. “An enabling environment that provides adequate physical accessibility standards, plays a crucial role in empowering persons with disabilities to fully participate in society and enjoy optimum living standards. For example, accessible pathways, transport and parking facilities, and public buildings such as schools, workplaces, commune councils, and health facilities will better support women, men, and children with disabilities to participate in daily activities that most people take for granted. For children, an accessible school can make the difference between accessing education or being left out. For adult women and men, adequate accessibility standards translate into access to job opportunities and increasing the prospects of more sustainable livelihoods for their households but also for the economic benefit of their local communities and communes.”

The series of videos launched on Thursday have been designed to contribute to the awareness of physical accessibility across the health, education and employment sectors and support the implementation of standards for physical access for all.



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