In brief
Prime Minister Hun Manet and UN Special Representative Najat Maalla M'jid met in Phnom Penh to discuss Cambodia’s progress in child protection, emphasizing the draft child‑protection law and a cash‑transfer program for pregnant women and young children. The U.N. envoy praised the country’s reforms and partnership in expanding social protection, while Hun Manet stressed the government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. Both sides highlighted the National Action Plan for preventing violence against children, underscoring a shared focus on creating a supportive environment for families.
On Wednesday, November 4, Phnom Penh hosted a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and United Nations Secretary‑General’s Special Representative for Violence against Children, Najat Maalla M'jid, to review progress and future strategies for child protection.
According to the prime minister’s spokesperson, Manet underscored the government’s firm commitment to preventing violence and protecting minors, noting that Cambodia is actively drafting a comprehensive law on child protection that goes beyond mitigating negative impacts. He emphasized that the initiative seeks to cultivate a warm, supportive environment for families rather than merely reducing harm.
Manet highlighted a key element of the policy portfolio: a cash‑transfer program administered by the National Social Assistance Fund, designed to protect maternal and child health. The program offers support to pregnant women and children under two years, including those in prison who live with their mothers.
From the UN side, M'jid praised Cambodia’s strong commitment to reforms that place citizens at the heart of national policy. She commended the expansion of social protection and security systems, stating that these initiatives are widely welcomed for their success in reducing poverty, enhancing child welfare, and improving overall public well‑being. M'jid also praised the country’s progress in implementing the National Action Plan on Prevention and Response to Violence Against Children 2025‑2030, a vital framework for child protection.
Both leaders reaffirmed Cambodia’s firm commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals within the established timeframe, citing continued partnership and support from the UN as indispensable to the country’s progress in child protection.