Phnom penh: The Royal Government of Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the quality of life for all citizens, with a specific focus on ensuring persons with disabilities are not left behind, a senior official announced on Thursday.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the remarks were delivered by H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, during a workshop to disseminate the National Strategic Plan on Disability for 2024-2028, held at the Ministry on Oct. 23. Minister Huot Hak, who also serves as the Honorary Chair of the Ministry of Tourism’s Working Group on Disability Action, emphasized that the Royal Government’s dedication to this cause is a long-standing priority, aligned with the global principle of “No one left behind.”
“This commitment has been consistently upheld, from the leadership of former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen through to the current administration,” he stated, referencing the two previous national disability plans implemented from 2014-2023. H.E. Minister outlined that the new 2024-2028 strategy represents a continuation of the Royal Government’s reform agenda, dovetailing with the Political Platform and the Pentagonal Strategy of Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet, who is also the Honorary Chair of the Disability Action Council.
The core objective of the five-year plan is to ensure “that persons with disabilities of all ages can live with dignity and participate fully in an inclusive society that respects human rights and diversity,” he said. Highlighting the tourism sector’s role, H.E. Huot Hak confirmed the ministry’s active efforts to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. This includes “creating favourable environments and opportunities for their full participation,” he added.
The ministry is focused on enhancing accessibility, protection, and support within the tourism industry, ensuring equal access to leisure centres, tourism businesses, and related services.