PHNOM PENH: The Disability Action Council is working with the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) to discuss a joint action plan for 2024 to strengthen the legal framework that will ensure human rights to persons with disabilities (PwD) in Cambodia, especially within the justice system.

In a meeting on January 23, Secretary-General of the Disability Action Council (DAC), Em Chan Makara, requested that OHCHR Representative Roueida El Hage assist in raising awareness among judicial officials on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Sec. Em Chan Makara stated that a well-informed judicial force will be able to promote the rights of persons with disabilities so that they can operate fully in society, without discrimination.

"Any contribution from the UNOCHR will make the National Strategic Plan on Disability Action more effective for implementation. This contribution can be made while we prepare the draft [law on persons with disabilities] and during the next step as we launch and promote the implementation of this plan,” he said.

Representative El Hage agreed to a one-year collaboration with the Disability Action Council to prepare a handbook on the CRPD that will enhance the knowledge and capacity of the relevant ministries and the provincial Disability Action Councils. The UNOHCHR also supports the DAC in disseminating the film, “My Rights, My Life” to raise awareness of the struggles of PwD and to encourage wider acceptance.

Sec. Em Chan Makara assured the UN representative that the DAC will continue to cooperate with the UNOHCHR to train judges, prosecutors and other justice actors. He said that legal work on the CRPD will continue to improve, as he has already informed the Minister of Justice of the benefits of previous training sessions and that the Minister has promised to prioritize future training courses with judges and prosecutors.