Oxfam, in collaboration with the Cambodian Ministry of Environment and partner organisations, co-hosted a workshop titled ‘Ensuring Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the Climate Change Context for Women Workers and Farmers in the Agri-Food Sector.’
Held in Phnom Penh at Hotel Cambodiana on May 31, the workshop was attended by 270 dignitaries and representatives from government ministries, development partners, think tanks and researcher communities, members of CSOs, and representatives of women workers and farmers in Cambodia’s agri-food sector.
This workshop aims to raise awareness and creates a space for policy dialogue to understand challenges and find solutions amongst specialists, policy makers, and government representative and development partners, with representatives of women workers and farmers in Cambodia’s agri-food sector.
Oxfam National Director, Ms. Sophoan Phean, said that Oxfam’s mission is to contribute to building a society that is free of poverty and injustice.
‘We are committed
to collaborating with and supporting the Royal Government of Cambodia and relevant stakeholders in diminishing poverty and addressing inequality among workers, vulnerable population groups, and households with financial difficulties. Enhancing occupational safety and health for women workers and farmers in Cambodia’s agri-food sector yields substantial economic benefits,’ she said.
Based on the research from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on ‘Safety and Health in Climate Change’ in 2024, the impact of climate change will negatively affect the safety and health of workers.
This includes exposure to excessive heat, ultraviolet radiation, extreme weather events, workplace air pollution, vector-bone diseases and changes in agrochemical use. The research has shown that women workers face greater challenges than before due to their roles as farmers and the impact on their life cycle.
After the conclusion of the workshop, Oxfam will produce the report and later submit to the Royal Government of Cambo
dia through the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training for policy intervention and improvement of occupational safety and health.
The Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Ministry of Labour and Vocation Training, has launched an action plan for 2024 aiming to improve occupational safety and health for all workers.
This action plan is also in line with the government’s policy flagship 2023-2028 ‘Pentagonal Strategy’, and the Strategic Plan for Employment, Social Security and Vocational Training 2024-2028 where human capital and work force development is the immediate priority of the government.
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in Cambodia has been developing steadily in recent years, driven by the country’s rapid economic growth, industrialisation, climate changes and global warming, and the continued commitment of the Royal Government of Cambodia to improve labour protection.
The Ministry of Labour and Vocat
ional Training oversees OSH regulations, focusing on improving working conditions, particularly in the garment and construction sectors.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse