Phnom Penh – On the morning of November 2, 2023, H.E Em Chan Makara, Secretary of State and Secretary General of the Disability Action Council, represented H.E Chea Somethy, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation, in a meeting with 130 individuals with disabilities who engage in street performances at traffic lights. The purpose of this gathering was to understand the challenges they face and gather their suggestions.
This discussion, facilitated by the Ministry of Social Affairs, involved the participation of dignitaries and relevant departments. H.E Em Chan Makara emphasized that the goal was to hear about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and receive their requests. He stressed that the Ministry and the Disability Action Council were committed to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities, eliminating discrimination, and promoting their participation in social activities.
H.E Em Chan Makara acknowledged the freedom of individuals with disabilities to engage in activities such as singing at traffic lights, but he also highlighted the government’s concerns regarding this practice. These concerns primarily revolve around: 1. health risks; 2. traffic accidents; 3. issues of dignity; and 4. the national reputation.
He underscored that the weather conditions in Cambodia, with hot temperatures, heavy rains, strong winds, and lightning, can severely impact the health of street performers. Additionally, the busy traffic environment and occasional reckless driving pose accident risks that could endanger their lives, cause injuries, or lead to further disabilities.
Moreover, the perception of Cambodian society is that these actions at traffic lights resemble begging, which contradicts the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and national laws. The actions are also believed to disrupt public order and negatively impact the tourism sector.
Several requests were presented, including making it easier for individuals with disabilities to sing and play music at events, permitting them to continue singing at traffic lights, and seeing the possibilities of letting them become government officials. H.E Chap To, Undersecretary of State for the Ministry of Social Affairs, encouraged individuals with disabilities to seek suitable employment and offered guidance on obtaining interest-free loans from banks or microfinance institutions.
In response, H.E Em Chan Makara pledged to review priorities and possibilities for improving the lives of people with disabilities, indicating that the government has a policy of supporting them. He also suggested that people with disabilities could access interest-free loans through Chamnan Microfinance for livelihood purposes. Additionally, he expressed the intention to work with relevant ministries and institutions to develop mechanisms and strategies to address the concerns of individuals with disabilities seeking to acquire professional skills.
