Phnom Penh: On the morning of December 18, 2024, the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Labor Organization (ILO), celebrated International Day of Migrant Workers 2024. This year's theme, “Promoting the Contribution of Migrant Workers and Respecting Their Rights,” underscored the importance of recognizing the contributions of migrant workers while advocating for their rights.

The event took place at the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training and was chaired by Ms. Sovann Vannarath, Permanent Secretary of State, who represented Mr. Heng Sour, Minister of Labor and Vocational Training. The celebration was attended by various stakeholders including representatives from ministries and institutions of the Royal Government, foreign diplomatic missions in Cambodia, and national and international development partners. Notable attendees included Mr. Jo Scheuer, United Nations Coordinator in Cambodia, Ms. Nellie Ghusayni, Head of Mission for IOM in Cambodia, Mr. Tun Sophon, National Coordinator for ILO in Cambodia, and Mr. Reto Gruninger, President of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, among others.

In her speech, Ms. Sovann Vannarath emphasized the Cambodian government's commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of migrant workers. The event served as a platform for dialogue and understanding regarding labor migration, allowing participants to share experiences and aspirations from the migrant worker community.

The Permanent Secretary of State outlined the Royal Government's priorities, which include the expansion of labor markets abroad, the prevention of illegal labor migration, the training and promotion of the rights and dignity of Cambodian migrant workers, and the development of a skills recognition mechanism to facilitate social security mobility. She informed attendees that the Royal Government of Cambodia has enacted several legal and policy frameworks aimed at protecting the rights and benefits of both Cambodian migrant workers overseas and foreign migrant workers within Cambodia.

Furthermore, Ms. Sovann Vannarath announced that the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training is actively working to enhance labor migration governance. This includes expanding multilateral and bilateral cooperation for legal labor opportunities abroad, preventing illegal labor migration and human trafficking, and promoting the protection of rights, health, and safety at work. The ministry is also dedicated to facilitating family relations, integrating returning migrant workers through skills recognition, and providing job counseling and self-employment opportunities.