In brief
Prime Minister Hun Manet and UN Special Representative Najat Maalla M'jid met in Phnom Penh to evaluate Cambodia’s child‑protection strategy, including a draft law and a cash‑transfer scheme for pregnant women and children under two. The PM emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for families, while M'jid praised reforms and the expansion of social‑security systems. The meeting was part of Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to meet Sustainable Development Goals and the National Action Plan on Prevention and Response to Violence Against Children 2025‑2030.
In Phnom Penh on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, Prime Minister Hun Manet sat down with Najjat Maalla M'jid, the United Nations Secretary‑General’s Special Representative on Violence against Children, to examine Cambodia’s progress on child protection and outline future actions.
The ceremony, organized by the Prime Minister’s spokesperson unit, was held at the Ministerial Hall of the Parliament building, a venue that underscores the government’s seriousness about safeguarding its young citizens.
During the meeting, Hun Manet highlighted the government’s “firm commitment to preventing violence and protecting minors.” He explained that the reform agenda comes down to more than just mitigating risks; it seeks to cultivate a “warm, supportive environment for families.” The Prime Minister detailed ongoing drafting work on a child‑protection law that aims to codify rights and responsibilities for all parties involved in a child’s upbringing.
One of the key initiatives the PM discussed was a cash‑transfer program administered by the National Social Assistance Fund (NSAF). The program, launched last year, delivers monthly payments to pregnant women and children under two years old. Hun underscored how the system reaches even the most vulnerable, noting that it now extends support to mothers in prison, ensuring continuity of care for those children who remain in the care of their incarcerated parents.
“The aim of this policy is to guarantee that maternal and child health are protected even in the most challenging circumstances,” Hun Manet said, according to the press release from his office. He also linked the cash‑transfer scheme to Cambodia’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, declaring that the country will “achieve the SDGs within the established timeframe.”
In reply, Najat Maalla M'jid praised the country’s strong commitment to reforms that put citizens at the center of national policy. She lauded the expansion of social protection and security systems, describing them as “widely welcomed by the public for their success in reducing poverty, enhancing child welfare, and improving overall public wellbeing.” The envoy also highlighted Cambodia’s progress in implementing the National Action Plan on Prevention and Response to Violence Against Children 2025‑2030. She emphasized that this framework is vital for advancing child protection nationwide.
Both leaders agreed that the partnership between the United Nations and the Cambodian government remains indispensable to the country’s next steps in protecting children and preventing violence. The U.N. envoy further acknowledged that these reforms are “deep‑seated” and that the collaboration has already yielded tangible results in strengthening the social fabric.
During the brief press release, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson reiterated that “the U.N.’s partnership, support, and contributions remain indispensable to Cambodia’s progress.” This sentiment was echoed by M’jid, who stressed that the international community’s role is crucial for Myanmar SASE expansions and for ensuring that reforms effectively reach the most at‑risk groups.
When asked about concrete outcomes from the meeting, the PM’s spokesperson said the discussion helped shape the next phase of the child‑protection law drafting, and confirmed that the government will soon submit the final draft to Parliament for debate.
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs added that the cash‑transfer program will be refined to increase efficiency, including streamlined application processes and regular reviews of beneficiaries. This will, according to the minister, help national agencies better target resources and reinforce domestic accountability mechanisms.
In closing, the PM reiterated that child protection is a shared responsibility, calling for the participation of all ministries, the southern legal system, and non‑governmental organizations. By combining legislation, welfare, and policy support, Cambodia aims to reduce childhood violence, promote family resilience, and ultimately align with global development agendas.
The meeting serves as a benchmark for Cambodia’s broader nation‑building strategy, underlining the role that inclusive policy design plays in nurturing future generations.