Cambodia Encourages Private Sector to Establish Drug Rehabilitation Centers Based on Humanitarian Principles

Mr. Chea Chamnan, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, has encouraged the private sector to establish drug rehabilitation centers based on humanitarian principles, aiming to expand treatment and recovery services for drug addicts. The ministry is working to enhance the capacity of public facilities while also seeking active participation from the private sector. Secretary of State Chea Chamnan stated this policy during a meeting to summarize the results of drug addict rehabilitation work for the first half of 2026. The meeting was held under the direction of Mr. Chea Somethy, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, to evaluate the efforts of public, private, and NGO rehabilitation centers. He emphasized that while the government and the private sector have worked together to achieve remarkable results, vigilance must not be relaxed. Specifically, the continuation of "Campaign Against Illegal Drugs Phase 11" aims to reduce the negative impacts of drugs, build a healthy and safe society for all citizens, and protect national honor and prestige. He further stated that this campaign should be more effective and achieve better results. Furthermore, Secretary of State Chea Chamnan instructed all public, private, and NGO rehabilitation centers to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of services provided to victims, and to ensure appropriate case management and social reintegration in accordance with standards, guidelines, and operating procedures. He also directed the establishment of mechanisms for regular monitoring, supervision, and evaluation to ensure compliance with guidelines on treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of drug addicts, as well as minimum standards. For private centers, he urged them to contribute to government policy by considering the possibility of organizing separate principles for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug victims who are poor and have no support, offering services free of charge based on humanitarian principles. Additionally, all centers must implement training programs to enhance the capacity of their officials and staff, as well as reintegration programs for those who have completed treatment. The operations of private and NGO rehabilitation centers that have contributed to assisting drug victims in Cambodia were also mentioned.