Official launch of the ACCESS 2 Program: The flagship bilateral investment to support persons with disabilities and women affected by Gender-Based Violence in Cambodia

On 5 April 2024, Cambodia and Australia launched the continuation of their flagship bilateral investment in gender equality, disability, rehabilitation, and social inclusion in Cambodia. Over five years (2023 – 2028), Australia, through the Australia-Cambodia Cooperation for Equitable Sustainable Services – Phase 2 (ACCESS 2) program, will commit AUD 30 million to improve the quality and coordination of service delivery for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and persons with disabilities in Cambodia.

The launch ceremony of the ACCESS 2 program and the signing of the Memorandum of Subsidiary Agreement were graced by His Excellency Professor Chheang Ra, Minister for Health, His Excellency Chea Somethy, Minister for Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation and President of the Disability Action Council, and Her Excellency Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister for Women’s Affairs. The Australian Ambassador Justin Whyatt also joined the ceremony.

“ACCESS 2 reflects Australia’s strong commitment to support disability-inclusive development and gender equality in our region. These are core Australian values and a top priority in Australia’s new international development policy,” stated Ambassador Justin Whyatt.

His Excellency Professor Chheng Ra stated that the Ministry of Health is committed to promote healthier and better services for persons with disabilities, ensuring that no one is left behind.

His Excellency Chea Somethy expressed appreciation for the support from Australia. “I believe that this cooperation will continue in the spirit of solidarity and development, as well as respond to the needs of the disability sector and persons with disabilities in Cambodia.”

Her Excellency Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi thanked the Australian Government for consideration and support to Cambodia in promoting gender equality, especially participating in the implementation of work to end violence against women and girls.

ACCESS 2 will continue working with national and sub-national level governments and civil societies including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), women, and indigenous groups to effectively implement the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC)’s National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women (NAPVAW) and the National Disability Strategic Plan (NDSP) to ensure that persons with disabilities and women affected by GBV have better access to the services they need.

Ms. Sieng Sokchan, who uses a wheelchair and is the Chair of the Battambang Women with Disabilities Forum, said during the launch: “Rehabilitation services are very important for persons with disabilities, especially for those who use wheelchairs like me. Without proper rehabilitation and inclusiveness services, I would not have had the opportunity to be on this stage.”