The Cambodian Youth Network hold a workshop in Phnom Penh. CYN
The Cambodia Youth Network Association (CYN) is running a campaign which aims to inform youths about labour rights, including labour law and social protection systems. The association suggested that there are still some private sector companies that do not follow labour laws correctly.
The association partnered with several partners and youth groups to launch the long-term campaign, which began in 2021. It conducts regular activities and training sessions for young people. This year, the association is organising a series of meetings that will allow youths to acquire valuable knowledge from various institutions.
Ul Vann, CYN president, told The Post on June 19 that the campaign aimed to raise awareness among young people about labour rights and related Cambodian laws.
He explained that although many young people may have graduated from university, they often have a limited understanding of their rights. Knowledge empowers them, and will help to protect them from abuse, discrimination and exploitation in the workplace, he added.
“We have seen several cases where young people have suffered from exploitation or abuse in the workplace because some companies and enterprises do not comply with Cambodia’s labour laws. Some employees are forced to work overtime, or are not provided with access to social protection systems like the NSSF. Our campaign aims to make them aware of these problems and urges the relevant institutions to implement the law correctly, so everyone can live in a dignified society,” he said.
Vann added that later this month, a large group of young people – representing the youth groups that are participating in the campaign – will meet directly with officials from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, as well as several union representatives. The meeting aims to give them the opportunity to gain the knowledge they will need to address any issues they may encounter in the workplace.
San Borey, one of the young people who are participating in the campaign, said he joined in because he recognises the importance of making the voice of the youth heard. He claimed that despite the number of progressive labour laws that are on the books, many violations still take place.
Borey, originally from Mondulkiri province, is a fourth-year student at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. He added that he wanted to see all Cambodian workplaces following the law and respecting the rights of all employees.
“Many people spend more time at work than any other place,” he explained.
Borey also hoped that all workers would receive encouragement, decent working conditions and full freedom of expression in their workplace.
“We have excellent laws, but some of them are inadequately implemented. As a young person, I want my voice to be heard. I want all stakeholders, including employees and workers, employers and monitoring officials, to make sure the laws are universally observed,” he said.
Labour ministry spokesman Heng Sour could not be reached for comments on labour enforcement on June 19.
