Phnom Penh: Prime Minister Hun Sen has urged all the ministries, organisations, institutions and to all people in the kingdom to contribute for the improvement of the well-being of the elderly. The Prime Minister has made the statement during the International Day of the Elderly celebration on Friday. The Elderly Day is part of the Royal Government’s policy in accordance with the United Nations pact. He says that by joining the support for the welfare of the elderly is an important factor in the implementation of the welfare system for all ages in the Cambodian society.

The Prime Minister says, “It is our responsibility to contribute to building a society that pays more attention to the well-being of people of all ages, especially the elderly.” He has wished for a safe celebration of this special occasion as the kingdom continues to battle against Covid-19 which is still a result of the 20 February Community Outbreak. He has encouraged people in the country to participate more actively on this celebration so that the values will be passed to the next generation.

He says, “Overall, the history and experience of each society has shown that the economic, social and cultural development of a nation can be carried out in a sustainable and equitable manner, requiring the development of education, morality, virtue and non-violent culture. On the contrary, in a society whose morals and morals are declining, that society will suffer crises and catastrophes. In the Kingdom of Cambodia, we have rich traditions and customs, rich cultural heritage and achievements and have been preserved to this day. All of this legacy comes from the merits and wise education of our forefathers and elders, who may have been kings, people, civil servants, soldiers, clergymen, laity, writers, linguists, economists, researchers, artists, lawyers and scientists. It is true that in the practice of our society, people not only have the habit of respecting the elders, but also make the respect and gratitude of the elderly become the basis of the virtues that make up a culture and a good tradition for people.”

Prime Minister Hun Sen says that the Royal Government has prepared and developed a series of national legal standards and policies since the day of liberation on 7 January 1979 to improve the well-being of the elderly, including the provision of social security for civil servants, the armed forces, workers, the establishment of a disability fund, a policy for the disabled in the community. It has also implemented a policy on social security for the armed forces and police ready to retire.

He has added, “The Royal Government has also established the Cambodian National Committee for the Elderly, a mechanism for implementing the National Policy on the Elderly 2017-2030, and has planned various support programs to help improve the well-being of the elderly in Cambodia. In fact, the Royal Government has also issued a national policy framework for social protection and a national policy on the elderly 2017-2030. At the same time, the Cambodian Association of the Elderly and the Cambodian Veterans Association have been established to maintain the best interests and support the living conditions of the elderly.”

The Prime Minister stresses that these elderly people need to be supported by ministries, institutions, sub-national administrations, the Cambodian Red Cross, philanthropists and non-governmental organisations. He says these charities reflect the culture of supporting each other and uniting to help one another, especially the elderly, the disabled, the poor, and the helpless in the society.

He has also said, “Taking this wonderful opportunity, on behalf of the Royal Government, I, Your Majesty, would like to express my appreciation to the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, the National Committee for the Elderly of Cambodia, all ministries, institutions and sub-national administrations that have been Pay attention to the implementation of the National Policy on the Elderly and commend the Cambodian Red Cross, development partners, NGOs, international organizations and associations for their humanitarian and solidarity activities for the elderly in their communities.”

Prime Minister Hun Sen has concluded his message calling the ministries, especially the MoSVY and other institutions at all levels to pay more attention to the elderly people in Cambodia by supporting and providing their needs. He has encouraged these groups to visit elderly in the community, especially the disabled ones who are experiencing difficulties. Lastly, the Prime Minister has urged parents, guardians and other adults to continue educating their children on how to respect the elderly.