Phnom Penh, November 21, 2023 – Addressing the audience at the Phnom Penh Hotel during the commemoration of the successful completion of the project ‘Towards Inclusive Employment for People with Disabilities,’ H.E Em Chan Makara, Secretary of State and Secretary General of the Disability Action Council, stressed the imperative of concerted efforts to prioritize inclusive employment for people with disabilities in anticipation of the evolving labor market.

Representing H.E Chea Somethy, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, H.E Em Chan Makara highlighted the challenge of obtaining accurate employment data for people with disabilities. Despite the difficulty, it is estimated that the employment rate for individuals with disabilities lags behind that of their non-disabled counterparts.

Emphasizing the Royal Government’s commitment to prioritizing employment opportunities for people with disabilities in both ministries and private institutions, His Excellency Em Chan Makara recognized the increasing acknowledgment of disability as a source of diversity, talent, and innovation in Cambodia.

Decent work for people with disabilities, as articulated by the representative of the Minister of Social Affairs, entails empowering them to lead independent lives and contribute to the well-being of families, communities, and society at large, fostering a prosperous and inclusive economy.

Looking ahead, the Secretary of State underscored the persisting challenges in addressing employment issues for people with disabilities, emphasizing the need for preemptive collective action to ensure ‘No one left behind,’ especially the most vulnerable members of society.

H.E Em Chan Makara further stated, ‘Ensuring a common future of work is part of the 2023 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.’ He referenced Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which recognizes the right of individuals with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others”.

It is noteworthy that individuals with disabilities are recognized as a distinct group receiving targeted focus within the framework of the 2030 Agenda. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) explicitly underscore the significance of people with disabilities, particularly in the realms of decent work and economic growth.