In brief
At a joint session in Phnom Penh on November 4, Prime Minister Hun Manet and United Nations Special Representative Najat Maalla M'jid discussed Cambodia’s ongoing child protection initiatives. The discussion highlighted a draft child‑protection law, a cash‑transfer program for pregnant women and young children, as well as progress on the National Action Plan to prevent violence against children. Both leaders reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and to strengthening social protection systems.
The meeting, held in Phnom Penh on Wednesday, was attended by Prime Minister Hun Manet and United Nations Special Representative for Violence against Children Najat Maalla M'jid. According to the Xinhua press release, the two officials reviewed progress on child protection and outlined future plans to deepen reforms.
Prime Minister Manet underscored that Cambodia’s government is drafting a comprehensive child‑protection law and is treating child welfare as an integral part of a supportive family environment, rather than merely mitigating negative impacts. He highlighted the law’s aim to institutionalize protection mechanisms and strengthen legal safeguards for minors.
The officials also emphasized the country’s cash‑transfer program, administered by the National Social Assistance Fund (NSAF). The program delivers financial support to pregnant women and children under the age of two, including those whose mothers reside in prison. Manet noted that the initiative is a key element in protecting maternal and child health.
UN Special Representative M'jid praised Cambodia’s reforms, particularly the expansion of social‑protection and security systems. She remarked that public reception to these measures has been broadly positive, citing reductions in poverty, improvements in child welfare, and overall gains in public well‑being.
Further, M'jid commended the government’s progress on the National Action Plan on Prevention and Response to Violence Against Children for the 2025–2030 period. The plan, she said, provides a vital framework for coordinated national action against child violence.
Both leaders reaffirmed Cambodia’s steadfast commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals within the set timeframe and stressed that the partnership, support, and contributions from the United Nations remain indispensable to their collective progress.
