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Cambodia

Sharing of household work by men give women oppurtunity to participate in social activities! (Poster by UNIFEM Cambodia)

Cambodia is a country emerging from conflict. In the past decade through the efforts of government, civil society and international agencies to advance the well-being of Cambodians, some progress has been achieved – Cambodia is now considered a ‘medium human development’ country according to the 2007/2008 Human Development Index rankings.

 

However, it remains one of the poorest countries in the Southeast Asian region, ranking in the Human Poverty Index for developing countries 85th among the 108 countries the index has been calculated for. Most recent indicators highlight that the proportion of people not expected to survive past age 40 is about 24%, while 59% of people in Cambodia live without access to an improved water source. In addition, 45% of children are underweight for their age (ages 0-5), and the adult illiteracy rate is about 26%.

 

Women continue to face serious challenges, with many of the most urgent concerns related to poverty and its impact on women. The maternal mortality rate is high, with a major cause being the lack of access to obstetric emergency services – a reported mere 10% of births take place in a health facility. High illiteracy rates persist among women, especially those from rural areas, ethnic minority groups, or the disabled. Poor school enrolment rates and high drop out

rates of girls, and limited access to further education and skills training, present an ongoing challenge, affecting the ability of women to participate in public life, and take advantage of economic and professional opportunities.

 

Date of Accession/ Ratification:      17 Oct 1980 (signed); 15 October 1992 (ratified) Reservations:    None Reporting Status: Combined initial, 2nd and 3rd reports examined at 34th Session, January 2006 Combined 4th, 5th report due November 2009 Optional Protocol: Signed 11 Nov 2001 Ratified by the National Assembly but has not been deposited to the UN Coordinating Agency for CEDAW implementation: Ministry of Women’s and Veteran’s Affairs, Cambodia National Council for Women (CNCW)

Violence against women in Cambodia is a particularly pressing issue. Physical violence and economic hardship have made women vulnerable to trafficking and exploitative prostitution. As both a receiving and sending country, Cambodia is a major focal point in the regional sex trade. Cambodian women, especially young women, who migrate to neighbouring countries in search of work, are extremely vulnerable to various forms of violence and exploitation. Domestic violence, though thought to be underreported, is widespread. Women continue to face significant obstacles in accessing justice – the rule-of-law is not fully accepted or integrated within the justice system, impunity is rife, there is limited availability of legal aid, and the high cost of obtaining medical certificates to prove sexual assault are severe deterrents to women reporting abuse.

 

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