National Assembly President Khuon Sudary has urged the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Violence Against Children, Najat Maalla M’jid, to conduct an on-site assessment of the hardships Cambodian children have endured as a result of the 2025 Cambodia-Thailand conflict, a senior official said.
M’jid met with Sudary on November 5.
Keo Piseth, Chief of Cabinet and Spokesman for the President of the National Assembly, said:
With a particular focus on vulnerable groups, such as women and children, Cambodia has implemented various policies and mechanisms to protect children.
These measures ensure that children have access to education, care and protection, as well as the necessary attention and support. Cambodian children are regarded as the “bamboo shoots that will replace the bamboo trees”. Therefore, caring for children and nurturing these shoots so that they grow into strong, healthy bamboo trees contributes to socio-economic development and the future prosperity of the nation.
The recent conflict, stemming from Thai aggression against Cambodia, has caused suffering and hardship for the people, particularly women and children. Many children have faced serious challenges, including a lack of access to education and schooling. Although the situation has eased, more than 20,000 people remain in camps and have yet to return to their homes. This has placed an immense burden on Cambodian women and children.
Within the National Assembly of Cambodia, the First Commission is responsible for addressing human rights issues, covering both general human rights and children’s rights. Meanwhile, the Eighth Commission deals with social affairs and women’s issues and is also tasked with matters concerning children.
The National Assembly of Cambodia has played an active role in promoting these causes on the international stage through parliamentary diplomacy, engaging in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
In response, Her Excellency informed Samdech that the primary objective of the mission was to consult with all relevant stakeholders to assess Cambodia’s efforts, under the framework of the United Nations, to fulfil its obligations in combating violence against children. The visit also aims to examine efforts to adopt an integrated approach that ensures children’s well-being is taken into account across all sectors, including education, justice, health, social welfare and other related areas.
