The Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, in its pursuit of enhancing social services for individuals with disabilities, has embarked on a nationwide campaign for disability identification. Presently, the ministry is concentrating its efforts within three target provinces.
The ministry recently announced the formation by its social welfare department of a national-level working group dedicated to the assessment of disabilities based on societal norms and fundamental rights. It is collaborating closely with the provincial social affairs departments in Kratie, Stung Treng and Preah Vihear.
The initiative has a dual objective: firstly, to enhance the provision of benefits to those with disabilities through refined identification processes. It also seeks to establish a standardised database of individuals with disabilities employing information technology systems. This database will serve as a tool for managing disability-related services, guaranteeing equitable support and services and fostering inclusivity, in accordance with the government’s commitment to attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Disability identification will facilitate the establishment of a standardised database using IT systems. This database will serve as the foundation for defining target groups, simplifying access to social protection, development and various services in an equitable and inclusive manner, aligning with the government’s pursuit of SDGs,” it said.
The ministry further stated its commitment to offering benefits to individuals via their disability ID cards.
San Ratana, director of the Department of Welfare for the Disabled, said the process of disability identification has faced some difficulties. These include challenges related to the understanding of disability types among officials overseeing the programme at the commune level, as well as limited awareness within families and communities.
Additionally, he highlighted that the broader distribution of disability identification remains relatively limited in its reach.
“Hence, identification holds profound significance for individuals with disabilities, as it functions as an identity card granting them access to support services available in both the public and private sectors,” he expressed.
Ratana mentioned that between August 2020 and end-2022, a total of 256,656 individuals with disabilities were provided proper identification.
Mak Monika, executive director of the Cambodian Disabled People’s Organisation, underscored the significance of the identification process. She stressed that this process is pivotal in facilitating access to an array of benefits encompassing social assistance, healthcare services, education, economic opportunities, employment prospects, travel amenities and other cost-free interventions.
She also noted that the ministry has extended its efforts in disseminating information about the initiative, spanning sub-national and national levels. This concerted approach aims to empower individuals with disabilities to enrol in commune registries.
“This endeavour presents challenges, as families often hold the misconception that disabled individuals do not require any assistance, perceiving them as homebound,” she conveyed.
She mentioned that despite encountering certain challenges, this initiative brings significant benefits to individuals with disabilities, as it enables them to access the services offered by the ministry upon receiving the identification card.
