UNFPA in Cambodia: Rebuilding Hope

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After three decades of political turmoil, the human development needs of Cambodia’s population are overwhelming. Today, more than one-third of Cambodians live in poverty. Maternal mortality is critically high due to the lack of prenatal care and trained medical personnel. The rapid spread of HIV/AIDS is causing the human development situation to deteriorate even further. To complicate matters, 43 per cent of Cambodians are under the age of 15. As these millions of young Cambodians become sexually active over the next decade, the Government, with the aid of UNFPA and other development partners, will have to massively step up its ability to provide them, and the rest of the population, with quality reproductive health information and services, education and an adequate food supply.

Cambodia's Commitment to Development

Since UN-administered elections were held in 1993, the Cambodian Government has worked toward political and economic stability. With UNFPA assistance, the Government has committed itself to protect the rights of children and to eliminate discrimination against women and minorities. In 2000, Cambodia launched its first census in 36 years, with UNFPA support, to help plan for the future needs of its population. The Government has also worked together with UNFPA and other UN agencies and partners to develop a Common Country Assessment, to identify the development challenges facing the country.

Meeting Cambodia’s Development Goals through Population Assistance

UNFPA has been hard at work in Cambodia since 1994, a year after UN-administered elections made it possible to begin rebuilding. Although great progress has been made, increased UNFPA assistance is urgently needed to help Cambodia achieve its human development goals, including:

• Eradicating Extreme Poverty
• Promoting Gender Equality and Empowering Women
• Improving Maternal Health
• Reducing Child Mortality
• Combating HIV/AIDS and Other Diseases

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