UNICEF regional director Debora Comini, during her recent visit, urged the Cambodian government to intensify actions against child violence.
The three-day visit, concluding late last week, focused on promoting child rights and assessing UNICEF Cambodia’s support for the child protection system.
Comini met with officials and partners, advocating for an end to violence against children in all settings and unnecessary family separations.
“Too many children in the region experience forms of violence, including physical and psychological abuse,” she said.
“Violence often happens in the very place where children should be most protected – their homes. Every child has the right to live free from violence, exploitation and abuse,” she added.
Nhean Sochetra, head of the General Department of Social Development at the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, said on December 11 that the Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey 2021-22 (CDHS 2021-22) indicates a significant prevalence of violence against children.
She noted the collective responsibility involving the government, development partners, civil society, community, and parents in preventing violence against children.
“To prevent child violence, the ministry actively implements a positive parenting strategy. Currently in 12 provinces, we’re updating and planning nationwide expansion,” she said.
Sochetra noted that the ministry integrates gender-based violence prevention in training across multiple ministries and institutions.
Additionally, the ministry collaborates with local and international partners to create strategies for preventing gender-based violence, along with action plans to curb underage marriage and teenage pregnancy.
To prevent child violence and promote positive discipline, UNICEF Cambodia supports a pagoda-based endeavour led by the religion ministry.
The initiative enhances monks’ knowledge and skills to transform family attitudes toward violence, creating safer spaces in schools, homes and communities. As of October, 1,131 monks from 571 pagodas received child protection training, impacting over 75,000 people.
Will Parks, UNICEF representative in Cambodia, said violence against children is never justifiable; it is entirely preventable.
“To achieve this, everyone has a role, including stakeholders, parents, extended families, teachers and community members. UNICEF is committed to supporting national efforts against violence,” he said.
