PHNOM PENH: The closing ceremony of the 3rd International Conference on the Rescue of Victims of Mines and War Explosions in the Context of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was attended by Acting Prime Minister, Dr. Neth Savoeun, Head of the royal houses of Iraq and Syria, Prince Mired bin Ra'ad, Senior Minister Ly Thuch, and other delegates from around the world, resulting in a fantastic outcome.
The three-day conference, attended by delegates who possess the expertise, experience, and knowledge to share their experiences from around the world, was a success and provided a productive global platform.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Acting Prime Minister Neth Savoeun stated that the Royal Government has issued a sub-decree to determine the rates and procedures for recruiting people with disabilities. This includes a 2% quota for the public sector and a 1% quota for the private sector. Currently, there are 3,748 civil servants with disabilities in public institutions, of which 23% are female, serving in 37 ministries and institutions. Additionally, there are 5,839 people with disabilities in private institutions, with 66% of them being female, spread across 291 private institutions.
Furthermore, the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities extends to various aspects of society, including political life, social activities, culture, sports, and events that exemplify non-discrimination against persons with disabilities in Cambodia. Notably, an unforgettable event for Cambodians and nations around the world is the 12th Southeast Asian Paralympic Games, also known as the ASEAN Para Games, hosted by Cambodia this year.
Ottawa Convention President, Thomas Göbel, mentioned in his closing speech that the conference brought together mine victims and survivors, with the aim of helping them rebuild their lives and providing assistance for their reintegration into society. He also highlighted the importance of addressing the significant conditions, needs, and challenges on the path to the next conference, which will be held in Siem Reap next year as Cambodia assumes the presidency for the International Conference.
Senior Minister Ly Thuch was pleased with the outcome and noted that all participants were able to take away some new ideas. “The outcome was fantastic and during the three days, the conference has been a good platform, a global platform, where experts and people with proper experience shared their expertise and their knowledge,” he said.
He went on to express his excitement about holding the presidency and hosting the convention summit next year in Siem Reap. “Cambodia is very excited to host the conference and convention summit next year 2024 in Siem Reap and I think we will have the presence of our Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister Hun Manet to preside over our summit,” he said.
During the three-day conference, various booths showcased different activities and displayed exhibits for persons with disabilities with the goal of learning and growing global response to the needs of those affected by unexploded remnants of war. “Those who are mine survivors are our dear brothers, sisters, and mothers and fathers. So we all together are united globally to take care of them and provide them an identity, livelihoods and lives,” said Ly Thuch.
