Cambodia Strengthens Law Enforcement to Eradicate Child Labor in Brick and Tile Kilns

The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training of Cambodia has organized a two-day training workshop aimed at strengthening law enforcement and improving occupational safety and health conditions in brick and tile kilns, with the goal of preventing and eradicating child labor. The workshop commenced on August 6, 2026, at the National Technical Training Institute (NTTI) in Phnom Penh. Approximately 342 participants, including owners of brick and tile kilns nationwide, labor inspectors, and relevant ministry officials, attended the event. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Madam Sous Ravydavy, Secretary of State, representing His Excellency Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, emphasized that the eradication of child labor is one of the government's top priorities. She stated that protecting and developing children is a crucial task requiring a multi-sectoral approach. The government has identified priority and urgent actions, including the preparation and improvement of legal standards, enhancing public awareness to prevent child labor, building the capacity of institutions and law enforcement officers, and strengthening local interventions. These interventions encompass education, life skills, vocational training, job creation, and healthcare for children, with a particular focus on child victims and vulnerable children. Madam Ravydavy appealed to all relevant stakeholders to collaborate in preventing and curbing child labor in brick and tile kilns by reinforcing law enforcement, disseminating regulations, and promoting labor compliance. She urged employers, guardians, and local authorities to cooperate in protecting children from entering production lines and ensuring their access to education and skills training. Furthermore, she proposed strengthening the inspection and monitoring of working conditions, creating decent employment opportunities for youth, and enhancing cooperation among ministries, institutions, partner organizations, and the private sector. This collaborative effort aims to eliminate the most severe forms of child labor through capacity building of specialized officials, strengthening rapid reporting systems (Hotline 1297, 1286), anonymous complaint boxes, and promoting the campaign 'One Enterprise, One Peaceful Community' free from child labor. Source: AKP Khmer