Cambodian Minister of Women's Affairs Inspects Law Enforcement and Promotes Cooperation for Women and Girls' Rights Protection in Kratie

Ing Kantha Phav, Minister of Women's Affairs and President of the National Council for Women of Cambodia (NCWC), led an inter-ministerial delegation on a mission from September 9-11, 2026, to inspect the implementation of laws, policies, government recommendations, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in Kratie province. The inspection covered the Provincial Police Commissioner's Office, the Provincial Court, the Bar Association, the Provincial Prison, and relevant provincial departments. The delegation sought to understand and discuss cases of violence against women and girls, offenses related to women, and the current status of female inmates and convicts held in the provincial prison. The objective of this inspection was to gather information and data on the achievements of competent authorities and national-level departments and units in improving the status and well-being of women. This data will be compiled into a report to understand challenges, obstacles, and measures for addressing issues concerning women, the exercise of women's rights, and the promotion of gender equality in public service and the economy. It also aims to enhance social morality, the value of Cambodian women and families, traditional heritage vocational skills, and healthcare services, as well as the educational status of women and girls across all departments. During a meeting with Mr. Doung Vuthy, Director General of the Kratie Provincial Prison, and Mr. Sok Prihaneth, Deputy Governor of Kratie province, the delegation discussed and exchanged views on improving the situation of women, emphasizing the reinforcement of essential services such as nutrition, health, hygiene, and vocational training programs. These services are intended to provide a foundation for them to establish livelihoods and businesses upon reintegration into their communities. The delegation also met with Mr. Ouk Sophoan, Provincial Police Commissioner, along with relevant technical officials and colleagues from the Provincial Gendarmerie, to discuss cases of violence against women and girls, offenses related to women, challenges, and resolution measures. In this meeting, the delegation exchanged views with technical officials regarding the causes of all forms of violence occurring in the province, as well as the actions and resolutions taken by law enforcement to assist victims in accordance with the law, and to strengthen the management and data recording of incidents. Furthermore, in a working meeting with Mr. Hang Sitha, President of the Kratie Provincial Court, Mr. Key Bunnarath, Prosecutor General of the Kratie Provincial Court, and officials from the Provincial Court and Prosecutor's Office, the delegation exchanged views focusing on key points such as the implementation and handling of cases involving women as victims, the prevention and reduction of women involved as offenders in drug cases and technology-based fraud, and other legal issues related to preventing violence against women and girls, along with relevant legal provisions. During this inspection tour, the delegation also disseminated information about the project to provide protection services for poor women and girls who are victims of violence, in collaboration with the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia. They requested cooperation for extensive implementation to ensure that victims receive justice legally and in a timely manner. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local