The Australia-Cambodia Cooperation for Equitable Sustainable Services (ACCESS 2) programme was launched here on April 5.
The launching ceremony was presided over by H.E. Chea Somethy, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs, H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra, Minister of Health, and Australian Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Justin Whyatt.
ACCESS 2 aims to support the Cambodian Government and civil society to improve services for persons with disabilities and women affected by gender-based violence, said the Australian Embassy in Cambodia.
Over five years (2023 – 2028), it added, Australia will commit AUD 30 million to support the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and the National Disability Strategic Plan.
According to the source, the programme will operate at the national level and across four target provinces (Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Kampong Speu and Rattanakiri). For persons with disabilities this includes physical rehabilitation and inclusive public services. For gender-based violence (GBV), this includes health care, legal protection, social services and coordinated service delivery.
In addition to its focus on service delivery, the embassy pointed out, ACCESS 2 supports organisations representing survivors of GBV and people with disabilities to engage in policy and planning processes.
