Prime Minister Hun Manet hosted United Nations special representative Najat Maalla M'jid in Phnom Penh on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, to review Cambodia’s child‑protection agenda and outline future steps, a Yunnan national press release reported.
Manet underscored the government’s firm commitment to preventing violence against minors, noting that the ongoing drafting of the country’s child‑protection law is a key pillar of that effort. He highlighted a cash‑transfer program administered by the National Social Assistance Fund that provides direct support to pregnant women and children under two years, including those living with their mothers in prisons, as an example of an initiative that “extends beyond merely mitigating negative impacts” and instead “cultivates a warm, supportive environment for families”.
In her response, M'jid praised Cambodia’s “strong commitment to deep‑seeded reforms that place citizens at the centre of national policy.” She highlighted the expansion of social‑protection and security systems, noting that these measures have been widely welcomed by the public for their role in reducing poverty, enhancing child welfare, and improving overall wellbeing. The envoy also commended the country’s progress in implementing the National Action Plan on Prevention and Response to Violence Against Children 2025‑2030, a vital framework for child protection in the country.
Both leaders reaffirmed Cambodia’s determination to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals within the established timeframe and to deepen cooperation with the United Nations. While the press release celebrates these developments, specific outcomes from the cash‑transfer program and the broader impact of the National Action Plan remain unconfirmed and await further reporting.