His Excellency Sem Sokha, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation;

Mr. Keo Rithy, Country Director of Veterans International Cambodia;

Ms. Cheryl Ann Xavier, Master Trainer of the World Health Organization’s Wheelchair Service Training Package;

Partners, ladies and gentlemen:

I am very happy to be here with all of you this morning.  On behalf of the U.S. government, I would like to thank His Excellency Sem Sokha, Veterans International Cambodia, the World Health Organization, and our other partners for their collaboration and support to the Wheelchair Service Training Package workshop today.  I would also like to express gratitude to the workshop participants who are transforming the lives of Cambodians with disabilities by helping them decrease their dependence on others and realize their full and productive potential to participate in society.

According to the United Nations, people with disabilities constitute approximately 15 percent of the world’s population.  Though the statistics vary among sources, it is estimated that Cambodia has more than 700,000 persons with disabilities, which is about 5 percent of the total population of the country.  Many of these individuals rely on the use of wheelchairs for their mobility.   

These are often some of the most vulnerable people in society.  They regularly face physical, social, and economic barriers that prevent them from receiving quality and affordable health care, rehabilitation, education, and other disability services.  The physical environment can also be particularly challenging for people who use wheelchairs due to inaccessible roads, few city sidewalks, and ill-equipped transportation, and public facilities.  In addition, apart from the costs that make wheelchairs a luxury for many, getting a wheelchair can be difficult due to insufficient training for wheelchair technicians.  By strengthening the skills of wheelchair service providers, we hope that more wheelchair users can lead lives with greater independence and productivity.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has taken some important steps to address challenges facing persons with disabilities.  These include the adoption of the Law on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2009.  The Government also ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2012.  With the support and commitment demonstrated today by His Excellency Sem Sokha, and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation, Cambodia will continue to increase its efforts to promote, protect, and ensure the rights of persons with disabilities.  Our fellow development partners, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders stand ready to assist.

USAID is proud to support organizations like Veterans International Cambodia to carryout important events like the Wheelchair Service Training Package workshop.  Our support reflects the U.S. government’s commitment to persons with disabilities both globally and in Cambodia.  I wish you great success in this important event.  Your collaboration and support for this much needed activity will help some of the most important segments of society. 

Thank you.