Ministry advances social inclusion for 320,000 individuals
NEARLY 320,000 people with disabilities were identified through various initiatives based on societal norms and fundamental rights, and the issuance of over 250,000 ID cards was authorised between 2020 and 2023, according to the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation.
San Ratana, director of the Department of Disability Welfare at the social affairs ministry, noted recently that the body had recently convened to review its annual performance, including the programme for individuals with disabilities and the policy for economically disadvantaged disabled individuals in communities.
He noted that from 2020 to the end of 2023, the ministry had identified a total of 318,473 individuals (155,410 women) with disabilities using societal models and basic rights, facilitated by digital technology for processing the data.
The ministry approved the printing of identification cards for 254,419 individuals.
“The disability identification database … provides detailed information about the person’s status, disability condition and living environment, enabling a comprehensive analysis from various perspectives,” he explained.
“It facilitates a deeper understanding of the situation in Cambodia and provides a robust basis for formulating policies to enhance the welfare of disabled individuals,” he added.
Ratana said that once the ministry gains an overview of the individual in question, it issues a card according to the type of disability.
He said the categorisation simplifies the implementation of the 2024 plan, which aims to enable disabled individuals to participate in vocational training courses at the ministry suited to their capabilities.
He mentioned that these individuals would benefit from the social protection system and other services in a fair and inclusive manner, in line with the new government’s policy.
Ratana also highlighted that since its initiation in 2016, the financial policy for impoverished disabled individuals in the community has been implemented across 24 provinces and the capital, benefitting a total of 19,874 individuals.
In 2023, 18,409 individuals with disabilities, including 9,501 women, were acknowledged and registered by the ministry.
“Regarding the plan for 2024, the department has yet to determine the implementation strategy for the programme,” he added.
Mak Monika, executive director of the Cambodian Disabled People’s Organisation, highlighted the widespread dissemination of the ministry’s identification work, starting at the sub-national level, to facilitate registration in the communes.
“Identifying people with disabilities is crucial as it enables them to benefit from various components of the social assistance package and social protection system in line with the government’s policy,” he added.