The Ministry of Interior has announced the establishment of a disability action working group which will operate under the Disability Action Council (DAC).
The new group will be responsible for monitoring disability issues as well as advising on policy planning for the sector.
According to a March 7 press release, the group – established by a December 2023 directive signed by minister Sar Sokha – is chaired by ministry secretary of state Yun Chhuny, who oversees a board of 14 vice-chairs and six members. Sokha serves as its honorary president.
“The new team will provide consultation on disability issues and rehabilitation, and assist with the formulation of policies, plans and strategies relating to the sector, as well as their implementation,” stated the directive.
The group will also monitor and evaluate the implementation of new policies, laws and regulations, and make recommendations for amendments or modifications to the DAC.
Touch Sokhak, deputy ministry spokesperson, said on March 7 that in addition to its regulatory role, the working group will work to improve the status of the interior ministry’s civil servants living with disabilities. It will identify training opportunities for them, and also look to recruit people with disabilities to the ministry.
“The group has a different role from the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation. The social affairs ministry is responsible for all people living with disabilities, while the interior ministry group will support the DAC and monitor policy,” he explained.
At present, around 0.93 per cent of interior ministry civil servants are living with disabilities. Its future goal is to see that rise above one per cent, noted Sokhak.
The social affairs ministry recently announced the formation of a specialised team of its own, which will work to resolve the issue of people with disabilities begging and singing at traffic intersections.
Its undersecretary of state Chap To said the new group will meet with all 25 of the Kingdom’s capital and provincial governors, in order to identify a more appropriate venue for them to perform at.
“The idea is to facilitate better livelihoods for them,” he explained.
“If they are talented, we will arrange for them to perform in bars and restaurants. If this is not an option, we will provide them with suitable vocational training,” he added.
