PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Manet, said that persons with disabilities play an important role in the development of families and communities. He said that promoting entrepreneurship is a way to increase their opportunities to participate in the economy, thereby improving their lives and those of their families towards a better society.
In the celebration of the Cambodia and International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 4, the PM said that strengthening the capacity and economic resilience of persons with disabilities is a necessary and indispensable task in society building.
"All ministries, institutions, and regional authorities have an obligation to ensure an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities where they can receive education, vocational training, and ownership of financial resources management. [They should be involved in] decision-making and ownership, leading to full opportunities in socio-economic, trade and political spheres," he said.
The PM emphasized that the government has made efforts to improve living standards and ensure the reduction of poverty for persons with disabilities by promoting careers, decent work and implementing various policies. In addition, philanthropists, civil society and development partners have contributed both financial and human resources for the benefit of persons with disabilities in Cambodia.
He said that the Royal Government has a clear vision to ensure that persons with disabilities and their families have a good quality of life and are able to actively participate in society with equality, full rights and dignity.
He said, "In order for a society to have an inclusive environment, we must take into account the participation of persons with disabilities in public life, political life, social activities, culture, art, religion, sports, recreation and other activities. At the same time, the provision of justice to persons with disabilities, will ensure gender equality, the courage of women and girls with disabilities. This requires the participation of all stakeholders.”
He added that the Royal Government has taken care to provide welfare for the disabled, including the provision of ramps, priority parking, sign language and walkways for the blind. He said that the government has spent more than $1.3 billion on about 1.5 million vulnerable families through social assistance programs.
