Phnom Penh – On the morning of October 30, 2023, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, H.E Chea Somethy, and the Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia, H.E Igor Driesmans, convened a meeting ahead of the launch of the “Disability Identity Card” for persons with disabilities. The event took place at the Phnom Penh Hotel, where both leaders expressed their hope for an increased emphasis on Cambodia’s disability sector.

Ambassador Igor Driesmans noted that the “Disability Identification Card” program, aimed at persons with disabilities, marked his second involvement in disability-related initiatives during his three-month mission in Cambodia. His previous engagement was in the Third Global Conference on Assistance to the Victims of Anti-Personnel Mines and Other Explosive Ordnance in a Disability Rights Context on October 19, 2023. The Ambassador voiced his enthusiasm for collaborating with the Ministry of Social Affairs on Cambodia’s disability sector and called for continued attention to the sector in an inclusive manner.

In response, Minister Chea Somethy highlighted that it was his first experience distributing ID cards to persons with disabilities since assuming the role of Minister of Social Affairs in August. He emphasized the consistent dedication of Cambodian leaders, including former Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, former Minister of Social Affairs H.E Vong Soth, and current Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet, to addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and enhancing their well-being.

Additionally, Minister Chea Somethy shared Cambodia’s concern regarding the issue of unexploded ordnance, a problem that demands the collective efforts of multiple parties. The presence of landmines, remnants from past conflicts, remains a significant challenge both on land and underwater, particularly in Prey Veng province’s Peam Ro district, where authorities are working to locate submerged munitions in the Mekong River.

The Minister underscored the necessity for increased attention to the disability sector as a collaborative endeavor involving all stakeholders.