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(4).  Disability and Rehabilitation 

In Section 3.1.5. (Vulnerability), the NPRS includes people with disabilities as one of the most vulnerable groups in Cambodia. However, there does not appear to be any clear definition of disabilities, and in fact any discussion of disabilities is primarily concerned with landmine and UXO victims, as in Section  4.5.5. (Mine Action: Action Against Land Mines and Unexploded Ordnance). 

There are no references to “hearing (or hearing impaired)” in the NPRS, and the only references to “blindness” occur in discussions concerning night-blindness as a health/nutrition problem (there are no references to “visually impaired..” The only other reference, albeit passing, to people with disabilities occur in Section 3.4 (Gender Disparities) and Section 4.5.3. ((HIV/AIDS) in the context of “victims of land mines and other disabilities and illnesses.”

If we consider poor mental health as a disabling factor, the reference to disabilities still does not fare well. The only reference to “mental health,” occurs in the Annex 3 Matrix under 3.1. “Better health outcomes.” There is are few references to learning disabilities, though the sections on health and nutrition do make extensive reference to disabling health and nutrition-related conditions.

It should also be noted however, that the “disabled” are referred to the Annex 3 Matrix under Social Protection (5.2.1.) in terms of actions to provide support for disabled people. These actions include: 

• dissemination of legislation concerning the disabled;
• setting up National Social Security Fund;
• expand physical rehabilitation services and orthopedic devices;
• strengthen vocational training, job placement; and income opportunities for disabled;
• expand community-based rehab services.

The disabled are also referred to in Section 5.2.2. (Social Safety Net). 

NGO Action:

According to the NGO CG Statement, “Disability is both a cause and consequence of poverty. Eliminating poverty is unlikely to be achieved unless the rights and needs of people with disabilities are taken into account.”

The lack of specific references in the NPRS to people with various disabilities other than landmine and UXO victims (e.g., visually and hearing impaired) is a concern, especially when there is a direct reference to disabled people being especially vulnerable in terms of poverty. The lack of more detailed references can translate into a lack of specific and relevant action in terms of policy and programming. This suggests that in terms of resource allocation, many disabled people in Cambodia may be practically invisible.

• Promote increased understanding and awareness of who the disabled are in Cambodia, and their various needs, in the context of the APRI;
• Monitor resource mobilization (e.g., budget allocations and disbursements);
• Monitor the dissemination of the Cambodian Disability Law;
• Monitor the establishment of a National Social Security Fund; and,

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