AKP Phnom Penh, May 31, 2026 -- 
Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reaffirmed the Royal Government’s strong commitment to promoting child rights, welfare, and protection on the occasion of the 77th International Children’s Day (June 1), the 25th World Day Against Child Labour (June 12), and Cambodia Children’s Day 2026. 
In a message issued as Honorary President of the Cambodian National Council for Children, Samdech Thipadei said the observance reflects the government’s determination to strengthen the implementation of children’s rights and improve the well-being of all Cambodian children. 
This year’s celebrations are held under the themes “Peace is the Foundation for the Respect and Protection of Children’s Rights” for International Children’s Day and Cambodia Children’s Day, and “Commit to Eliminating the Worst Forms of Child Labour in All Supply Chains to Build Resilience and Decent Work” for the World Day Against Child Labour. 
The Prime Minister stressed that children are a valuable national resource and a key priority under the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1, which places human capital development at the centre of national development efforts. 
He highlighted government measures to promote child welfare, including improvements in healthcare, nutrition, education, social protection, and child protection services. Cambodia has made notable progress in reducing maternal, infant, and under-five mortality rates while expanding equitable access to education and strengthening the quality of teaching and learning. 
Samdech Thipadei also underscored social protection programmes that support vulnerable families, including cash assistance for pregnant women and young children, scholarships for poor students, support for persons with disabilities and the elderly, and vocational training opportunities for youth from poor and at-risk households. 
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Cambodia’s policy of zero tolerance for child labour and forced labour, noting ongoing cooperation with the International Labour Organisation and other partners to eliminate the worst forms of child labour and expand decent work opportunities for young people through skills training and employment programmes. 
He emphasised that protecting children from violence, exploitation, abuse, neglect, and online threats requires coordinated efforts from government institutions, communities, families, civil society organisations, and development partners. 
Samdech Thipadei highlighted the implementation of the National Policy on Child Protection System 2019-2029 and the National Action Plan on the Reduction of Child Labour and Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour as key frameworks guiding Cambodia’s child protection efforts. 
The Prime Minister also called on relevant ministries, authorities, development partners, and media institutions to strengthen awareness campaigns, promote child participation in decision-making processes, and ensure broader dissemination of information on child rights and child protection. 
He expressed appreciation to government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, communities, families, and children themselves for their contributions to advancing children’s rights and welfare, while urging all stakeholders to continue working together to build a safe, inclusive, and prosperous future for every Cambodian child.

 
By C. Nika