PM Marks Children's Days with Emphasis on Online Security for Children

Prime Minister Hun Manet marked the Children’s Days with an unwavering focus on child protection, especially against online abuse and exploitation.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, who is also Honorary President of the Cambodia National Council for Children (CNCC), sent a clear message in an open statement to mark the 75th International Children’s Day on 1 June, the 23rd World Day Against Child Labour on 12 June, and the Cambodian Children’s Day 2024.

“The advancement of digital technology comes with challenges such as online crimes, kidnapping, trafficking and exploitation, and sexual harassment and abuse. Children and youth have become primary targets of these crimes. It is therefore equally important to address forced labour among children and severe forms of child labour.”

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also stated that the government has taken decisive action to address online crimes. In 2015, it ratified the WePROTECT statement of actions against child sexual exploitation and abuse online. In 2019, it adopted the ASEAN statement for the same purpose.

On the ground, the government is implementing the National Policy on Child Protection System 2019–2029 through capacity building for competent authorities, public awareness building campaigns, and accessible intervention mechanisms.

The PM spoke highly of the achievements and milestones in child rights promotion and protection made possible through the hard work of the CNCC, concerned ministries and government bodies, development partners, the private sector, as well as individual families and communities.

The Premier demanded full compliance with all the action plans and closer cooperation among all players, including the mass media. This is to increase awareness of online risks among children and youth.

The statement made it clear that the government is making a real difference in the lives of children by promoting their rights to survival, education, and participation.

The outcomes are clear: reduced maternal, infant, and child mortality rates, improved nutrition for pregnant women and children, equitable access to education with information technology mainstreaming, quality learning and teaching, scholarships for students from poor households, and social assistance schemes that significantly benefit vulnerable children.