Phnom Penh: The United Nations in Cambodia says it will continue its support for people with disabilities. It has also praised the kingdom’s response to Covid-19. The UN in Cambodia released what it calls an “information note” on Monday, pledging its active support for the government as it works to improve the lives of some of society’s most vulnerable people.

The UN says people with disabilities face multiple challenges such as inequality and discrimination in access to education, healthcare, employment, social protection, justice and public transport. 4.9% of the Cambodian population over the age of 5 suffer with some form of disability. The UN in Cambodia says in addition to the health sector, several UN agencies are focusing on the secondary impacts of the pandemic and are contributing specific support in other areas such as social protection, education and employment.

It says it has provided technical support to the government to ensure equitable and accessible social protection programs for people with disabilities. As a result, almost 60,000 people have had had access to the national cash transfer program during the pandemic. A further 30,000 children with disabilities will benefit from 760-thousand home learning packages currently distributed to those in grades 1 and 2.

Secretary-General of Cambodia's Disability Action Council, Em Chan Makara, told EAC News that he welcomes the UN's statement and looks forward to continued cooperation with such a valued international partner. He says he hopes the UN will help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, especially while the kingdom recovers from the pandemic.