UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative Commends Cambodia for Implementing National Action Plan on Preventing and Responding to Violence Against Children

 
On the morning of 4 November 2026, at the Peace Palace, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, received a courtesy call from Dr Najat Maalla M’jid, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Violence against Children (UN SRSG on VAC), and her delegation.

During the meeting, the Special Representative expressed her appreciation for and commended the Royal Government of Cambodia’s strong commitment to implementing deep-seated reforms that place people at the centre of its policies. In particular, she highlighted the implementation of social protection and social security systems aimed at reducing poverty, enhancing child welfare, and improving the well-being of the general population. She noted that these initiatives had been widely welcomed by the public. Furthermore, the Special Representative commended the efforts of the Royal Government and relevant ministries and institutions in implementing the National Action Plan on Prevention and Response to Violence Against Children 2025-2030, an important national policy framework for child protection in Cambodia. She emphasised that placing people at the heart of government policies was essential. To achieve sustainable results, she noted that policy agendas must align with ground-level realities and local community needs, while strengthening collaboration and partnerships with development partners to enhance child protection.

In response, Samdech Thipadei expressed his profound appreciation for the United Nations’ significant contributions to restoring and building peace and stability, as well as supporting Cambodia’s continued development from the 1990s to the present day. He underscored that the UN’s partnership, support, and contributions remained indispensable to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reaffirming Cambodia’s firm commitment to achieving these goals within the established timeframe. Samdech Thipadei also highlighted the Royal Government’s commitment to preventing violence and protecting children through various supportive policy measures, including the drafting of the Law on Child Protection in Cambodia. He further emphasised that the Royal Government’s efforts extended beyond mitigating negative impacts to creating a warm and supportive environment for children and families. He further noted that the Royal Government focuses not only on mitigating negative impacts, but also on creating a warm, supportive environment—exemplified by the Cash Transfer Programme for Pregnant Women and Children Under Two Years, administered by the National Social Assistance Fund (NSAF) to protect maternal and child health, including pregnant women and young children residing with their mothers in prisons. Additionally, Samdech Thipadei underscored the core policy priority of the Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I, which positions “People” at its center through continued focus on human capital development by strengthening health services, enhancing knowledge and skills capacity, and creating employment opportunities for citizens.

(Unofficial Translation)