UN in Cambodia Statement, 10 March 2010

The UN country team in Cambodia welcomes the consideration by the National Assembly of the long-awaited Anti-Corruption law. It notes with concern that an extra-ordinary session was convened only days after the draft was shared publicly with parliamentarians. To its knowledge, no draft law has been shared with interested stakeholders, including civil society, since 2006.

To celebrate the occasion of United Nations Day 2009 (24 October), the 23 agencies of the United Nations Country Team launched the Situation Analysis of Youth in Cambodia, a compilation of all available data on young people. The analyis is the first review of young people ever undertaken in Cambodia.

The UN Day launch incorporated the participation of youth volunteers as well as presentations from UN youth specialists and delegates from the United Nations Youth Advisory Panel in Cambodia.

The objective of the United Nations Day 2009 event was to provide organizations working in the youth sector with a broad overview of the current challenges and opportunities faced by young people in five key areas; Youth and Education; Youth and Employment; Youth and Health; Youth Participation and Rights and Youth and Vulnerability.

The UN Country Team also marked UN Day with an official meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Link to Youth Analysis Report

Introduction
The UN Country Team in Cambodia supports a cohesive national response to the challenge of rising food prices in collaboration with development partners, and aligned to priorities of government. In line with global efforts  the UN is taking action to respond to the immediate, medium and longer term challenges of the crisis.

This discussion paper provides a snapshot of the present situation in Cambodia and outlines a framework for action linked to national priorities with consideration for the sustainability and potential consequences of any interventions made in the short term . The paper aims to generate further discussion at the technical and policy level, with input from all partners.