Synopsis: The Bar Association’s assistance to disadvantaged groups highlights its push for equitable access to justice.
More than 15,000 poor people and minors received legal assistance from the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia (BAKC) over the past year, as the organisation continued efforts to ensure equitable access to justice.
From September 2025 to August, BAKC lawyers handled 8,742 cases involving 15,365 clients, according to a report presented at its 31st General Assembly on Friday. Among these, 2,977 cases involved minors, with 5,366 children receiving legal representation.
Secretary-General Kim Socheat said the association paid special attention to cases involving children to protect their rights. It provided free legal advice in 456 cases during the year.
A total of 737 volunteer lawyers, including 212 women, took part in providing services nationwide.
Prime Minister Hun Manet allocated 2.9 billion riel (about $725,000) annually to support legal aid programmes, focusing on defending poor people in court, offering free advice and assisting women and girls who had suffered violence.
From this amount, 2.6 billion riel was channelled through the Ministry of Justice, while 300 million riel came via the Cambodia National Council for Women. Under the women’s programme, BAKC handled 255 cases involving 353 female victims, including 284 girls.
Socheat noted rising demand for legal assistance in cases linked to gang crimes, drug offences and online scams. Volunteer lawyers managed 834 cases involving 1,447 clients without compensation.
President Saing Vannak said the association had implemented nine key policies to strengthen the profession during its two-year term.
Achievements included cooperation with government and international institutions, construction of a multi-purpose hall, upgrades to its website and mobile app, and training for lawyers’ assistants. It organised the competitive examination for its 20th generation of trainee lawyers.
Vannak added that the Kingdom had secured government support to host the 2028 ASEAN Law Association meeting and was working with the Ministry of Justice to amend the Law on the Statute of Lawyers.
The government recently provided an additional 400 million riel for legal aid, on top of the existing allocation.
BAKC said it would continue to provide services to those unable to afford lawyers, helping them protect their rights and seek justice.
