PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Manet spoke at the celebration of the 25th Cambodian and 41st International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 4,where he pledged that the Royal Government will continue to promote the disability sector through empowerment and support for persons with disabilities, as they are a great asset for the development of society as a whole, especially in the context of economic recovery and sustainable development post-Covid.

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.

To celebrate the Cambodian and International Day of Persons with Disabilities this year, the PM made a number of recommendations to increase investment in persons with disabilities and to continue to build more resources for people with disabilities, including innovative and vibrant curriculum to ensure that persons with disabilities can live in Cambodian society with equity and have the opportunity to compete in the economy.

He ordered all ministries, institutions, the private sector and authorities at all levels to strengthen the National Strategic Plan on Capacity Building and Human Resource Development in line with the first phase of the Pentagon strategy, with priority given to skills training to retain the creative talents of persons with disabilities, who are an indispensable resource in line with the motto "No one left behind”.

He said that public and private institutions must start modifying facilities for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Law on the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the technical standards of physical infrastructure to make it easier for people to engage in society. He said they must encourage disabled applicants who meet qualifications to fulfill their roles and responsibilities without discrimination, including serving as civil servants, laborers, or trainees.

The PM also instructed the Ministry of Information to guide all public and private radio and television stations and media outlets to provide more sign language translation so that deaf people can receive timely information.

The Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Ministry of Health to cooperate with the Ministry of Social Affairs to make it easier for persons with disabilities to obtain a driver's licenses.