Cambodia’s remarkable efforts to safeguard and promote child rights have been lauded in a recent report by UNICEF. The report, titled “An Analysis of The Situation of Children and Adolescents in Cambodia 2023,” highlights the progress made by Cambodia in the past few decades towards ensuring the rights of children, while also identifying areas that need improvement. The analysis, based on government data, interviews, consultations, and focus group discussions, adopts a human rights-based approach underpinned by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The report acknowledges that the Cambodian government has made significant advancements in improving the lives of children in the past decade, with the country ahead of its target for meeting the SDGs. It notes that despite the high risk of poverty, the government has made considerable investments in social protection, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report praises the government for working on a new draft law on child protection, which is in the final stages.
According to the report, Cambodia has achieved significant economic growth over the past two decades, leading to improved living conditions for children. Children’s enrolment rates in schools have increased at all levels, although school completion rates remain low. The report also highlights the right to a healthy environment, access to health and nutrition, access to clean water sanitation and hygiene, and the right to participate in decision-making, among others.
Despite the progress made, the report identifies significant challenges that threaten to slow progress towards fully realizing children’s rights. Thousands of children remain at risk, and violence is still a major challenge, with many children experiencing physical or psychological discipline at home.
UNICEF’s representative to Cambodia, Will Parks, congratulated the country on the progress made and recognized the challenges that remain. Parks affirmed UNICEF’s commitment to working with the Cambodian government to ensure that every child’s rights are respected and fulfilled, with access to healthcare, nutrition, protection, and education they need and are entitled to.
Cambodia’s remarkable efforts in protecting and promoting child rights deserve praise, and the country has demonstrated that progress is possible towards fully realizing the rights of every child.
