PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Social Affairs completed the "Towards Inclusive Employment for Persons with Disabilities” project this week to highlight the needs of disabled workers in achieving an equitable job market.

Representing Minister of Social Affairs Chea Somethy, Secretary of State Em Chan Makara spoke at the event’s closing ceremony on November 21 to stress the importance of joint action to ensure employment for Cambodia’s disabled community. He said that while employment data for persons with disabilities is difficult to gauge, it is estimated that Cambodia’s disabled people have a higher rate of employment than those without disabilities.

The Secretary of State, who is also Secretary-General of the Disability Action Council, said that Cambodia’s government has been prioritizing employment for the disabled by giving them work in ministries and public institutions. He said that many private institutions have come to recognize disability as a source of diversity, talent and Innovation.

He said that decent jobs for persons with disabilities should empower them to lead independent lives and contribute to the well-being of families, communities and society as a whole towards building a more cohesive economy.

He stressed that as the economy grows, employment issues for persons with disabilities will remain a challenge that needs to be solved through a group effort and that problems should be addressed before they occur to ensure that “no one is left behind.”

He said, "Ensuring a common future of work is part of the 2023 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others.”