PHNOM PENH: Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation Chea Somethy met with the European Union’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Igor Driesmans, ahead of the launch of the "Disability Identity Card" on October 30 at the Phnom Penh Hotel. Both sides expressed hope that the disability sector in Cambodia will be given more attention at home and abroad.

Ambassador Driesmans said that today’s Disability ID Card is the second initiative related to disability rights that he has participated in since assuming his new role in September. The Ambassador also attended the Third International Conference on the Rescue of Victims of Mines and War Explosions in the Context of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities last week.

He expressed excitement in cooperating with the Ministry of Social Affairs on disability rights in Cambodia and hoped that the work would continue to be given more attention. He also commended the Cambodian persons with disabilities in who participated in the ASEAN Para Games in June.

Minister Chea Somethy told the EU Ambassador that this was his first time handing out ID cards since taking over as minister in August. He reinforced the notion that former Prime Minister Hun Sen, along with former Social Affairs Minister Vong Sauth, cared deeply about the issues faced by persons with disabilities and that they promoted their welfare across the country.

He also mentioned with pride welcoming home four Cambodian students with disabilities who returned from a Global Information Technology Competition in the United Arab Emirates the previous day. The students brought home first and third place honors, showcasing Cambodia’s excellence once again.

The Minister also expressed Cambodia's concern over unexploded ordnance and landmines, an ongoing issue which requires the participation of many parties, since landmines from the war era are still abundant both in the ground and in the water, especially along the Mekong River in Prey Veng Province, where mine authorities are searching for bombs that were shipped in during the war.

While Prime Minister Hun Manet proudly declared Cambodia’s thirteenth province to be mine-free today, millions of landmines are estimated to litter the countryside. The PM promised that the country will fulfil its goal of being mine-free in 2025.