The Australian Government, through the Australia Cambodia Cooperation for Equitable Sustainable Services – Phase 2 (ACCESS 2), continues to champion high standards of conduct across all workspaces.
“This commitment includes fostering respectful interactions and ensuring a workplace free from all forms of harassment, discrimination, fraud, and corruption,” said Ms Sophia Cason, Team Leader, ACCESS 2. “Through this training, we aim to empower participants with a clear understanding of their responsibilities and the procedures for reporting child protection concerns, as well as issues related to the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), fraud, and corruption.”
In April and May 2025, ACCESS 2 delivered refresher training sessions in Phnom Penh and the provinces of Ratanakiri, Kampong Cham, Kampong Speu, and Siem Reap. Participants included national and sub-national government officials and strategic implementing partners (SIPs) working across disability inclusion, rehabilitation, and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention.
Key outcomes included:
- A clear understanding of ACCESS 2’s safeguarding measures.
- Step-by-step guidance on reporting procedures and ethical obligations.
- Strengthened capacity among participants to train others within their organisations, helping spread safeguarding knowledge.
- Support for reviewing and improving organisational safeguarding policies.
- Practical skills to develop Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials tailored for community outreach.
- Improved knowledge in fraud control, grant management, and communications, in line with DFAT and Abt Associates standards.
Reflecting on the Ratanakiri session, H.E. Nhean Tithchenda, Deputy Provincial Governor and Chair of the GBV Response Working Group and Provincial Disability Action Council, said:
“By equipping our officials with practical safeguarding skills, we are strengthening the very foundations of service delivery in Ratanakiri. This knowledge protects our most vulnerable citizens and ensures our work remains ethical and sustainable.”
Other provincial leaders echoed this sentiment.
H.E. Pang Dany, Deputy Provincial Governor of Kampong Cham, emphasised the importance of participation in safeguarding to better serve vulnerable communities.
H.E. Long Bonareth of Kampong Speu noted the training’s role in upholding professional integrity and preventing misconduct.
H.E. Manny Reangsei, Deputy Provincial Governor of Siem Reap, thanked ACCESS 2 and DFAT for their contribution to stronger operations and improved capabilities among local teams.
Deputy Team Leader Mr Sasha Cigljarevic reinforced the shared responsibility of safeguarding:
“Every participant—whether working in service delivery, coordination, monitoring, or communications—plays a critical role in upholding ethical standards. These values are essential not only to meeting DFAT’s requirements, but also to achieving ACCESS 2’s goals.”
Ms Kay Srey Orn, Head of the Organisation of Persons with Disabilities in Siem Reap, affirmed the practical value of the training and her commitment to sharing this knowledge throughout her networks.
By embedding these practices into daily operations, ACCESS 2 continues to lead in fostering safe, inclusive, and accountable workplace, where transparency and integrity are not just expected, but lived.
