Phnom Penh, Cambodia. On 10 August, 2012 the Cambodia National Assembly has agreed to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its Optional Protocol. The Cambodian government had signed the Convention since 1 October 2007. Many disabled people’s organizations in Cambodia had encouraged the government to ratify the Convention over the years. Therefore the news that the National Assembly finally agreed on the ratification of CRPD was greeted with delight by many disabled people’s organizations in Cambodia.
The UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities is an international Instrument which aims to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities, and to promote and respect for their inherent dignity. The convention has been ratified by 119 countries, 79 of which have already ratified the Optional Protocol as well. In Southeast Asia, there are 6 countries that have ratified the Convention. When Cambodia finally officially ratifies the convention, it will be the first country in Southeast Asia that ratifies the Convention and its Optional Protocol.
The UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities is an international Instrument which aims to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons with disabilities, and to promote and respect for their inherent dignity. The convention has been ratified by 119 countries, 79 of which have already ratified the Optional Protocol as well. In Southeast Asia, there are 6 countries that have ratified the Convention. When Cambodia finally officially ratifies the convention, it will be the first country in Southeast Asia that ratifies the Convention and its Optional Protocol.
Mr. Bun Mao, the Executive Director of Association of Blind in Cambodia, also expressed his delight. He said that this will mean in the near future persons with disabilities in Cambodia will not only have the domestic laws on CRPD to protect their rights, but also the UNCRPD.
Miss. Song Kosal, a landmine survivor and activist from the Cambodia Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munitions , said that she is very happy and congratulated the National Assembly for its decision to accept UNCRPD ratification. She expressed her hope that in the future Cambodia will also sign the Convention on Cluster Munitions at the Third Meeting of States Parties (3MSP) which will take place in Oslo, Norway, from 11th to 14th September 2012.
Mrs. Neang Phalla, the co-director of Education for Blind in Kroursa Thmey, welcomed the news and said that she is very delighted. She praised the Royal Government of Cambodia and said that this proves the government commitments towards persons with disability.
Mr. Benjamin, representing HI, congratulates the Royal Government of Cambodia for this monumental step forward in protecting the rights of all Cambodian citizens. He said that the decision means that Cambodia has joined an international community that is committed to the promotion of equality for all persons. He expressed eagerness to continue partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia. Through partnership and collaboration, he hopes that persons with disabilities will be able to enjoy full and equal participation in all aspects in the new Cambodian society.
From CDPO’s Media Release