Phnom Penh, November 3, 2023 – In a crucial meeting convened on Friday afternoon, H.E. Em Chan Makara, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, and Chairman of Spokesperson Group for the Minister of Social Affairs, spearheaded efforts to find solutions for people with disabilities performing and vending at traffic intersections.
This meeting, held at the Ministry of Social Affairs, was attended by a total of 70 participants, 12 female, including leaders from the Ministry and Provincial Department of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation.
Addressing the gathering, H.E. Secretary of State Em Chan Makara emphasized that the situation concerning homeless individuals and people with disabilities performing at traffic lights is a matter of great concern for the Royal Government, especially Minister Chea Somethy himself.
The meeting saw extensive discussions and inputs from leaders of ministries, as well as capital and provincial departments, concerning this pressing issue.
Co-chairing the meeting, H.E. Nhek Vannara, Secretary of State, stressed the need for collaboration between the Department of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation in dealing with individuals with disabilities performing at traffic lights. He called for cooperation to explore solutions and also suggested studying how other countries handle similar issues.
H.E. Em Chan Makara underlined that disability and homelessness are multifaceted problems that necessitate the involvement of various stakeholders and local authorities for resolution. He noted, “In the past, both former Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen and the current Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet, with H.E. Chea Somethy leading the efforts, have been dedicated to addressing the issue of homelessness, street performers, and drug addiction. Their focus is on ensuring these individuals are not negatively affected and on improving their quality of life.”
Furthermore, H.E. Em Chan Makara stressed that any intervention should provide appropriate support to people with disabilities and formulate clear policies. He also expressed support for the idea of drafting laws, sub-decrees, and policies to address these challenges.
The meeting reached a consensus to prepare a report for the Minister, seeking the development of additional legal documents to manage individuals with disabilities performing at traffic intersections and to address the issue of homelessness. Additionally, there will be future meetings with a subcommittee to delve further into the matter of homelessness.