United States (FN), June 13 - Secretary General of Disability Action Council (DAC) Em Chan Makara announced Cambodian government's commitment on the continued support of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), speaking Wednesday at the 11th session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD, 12 to 14 June 2018, “Leaving no one behind through the full implementation of the CRPD” in New York City, United States.

"Disability issue is a priority of the Cambodian government. Cambodia considers civil society, private sectors, organizations on disability, and development partners as the indispensable cooperation in implementing the CRPD,” stated Em Chan Makara.

He added that Cambodia empowers women with disabilities to participate in national decision-making on planning a national strategy on disability; and respects their rights and freedoms. They have the rights to vote and stand as candidates in the national elections.

The government has also provided free care and equal pay for women and girls with disabilities. On top of that, they work only 7 hours a day.

Cambodian government considers the CRPD very important, and is currently working on national strategic disability plan 2019-2023, focusing on poverty reduction through the promotion of employment and decent works for people with disabilities to ensure their living standards and their independence.

Cambodia has developed a 2016-2025 National Protection Policy Framework to provide social protection to people, including the disabled.

Cambodia is working to promote welfare of people with disabilities in accordance to the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted by the General Assembly by in 13 December 2006. It came into force on 3 May 2008 upon the 20th ratification. Article 40 of the Convention stipulates that “The States Parties shall meet regularly in a Conference of States Parties in order to consider any matter with regard to the implementation of the present Convention.”

Since 2008, ten sessions of the Conference of States Parties have been held at United Nations Headquarters, New York, according to the UN’s website.
=FRESH NEWS