Cambodia’s Professional Organisations Surge to 6,491 Amid Growing Civic Engagement

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• 13 December 2024
• Local News
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The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has reported a sharp rise in professional organizations across Cambodia, with a total of 6,491 registered as of November 2024.

This milestone was highlighted by HE Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, during the 76th anniversary celebration of International Human Rights Day on 08 December 2024. The event, attended by over 2,000 participants, carried the theme “Freedom of Trade Unions, Associations and Social Protection Systems.”

Minister Heng Sour underscored the Royal Government’s strong commitment to upholding the freedom of professional organizations, as enshrined in the Labour Law, the Trade Union Law, and international labor standards. Among the registered entities are 42 union confederations, 280 union federations, 6,157 grassroots unions, and 12 employers’ associations, reflecting a diverse and robust labor representation landscape.

The minister urged all trade unions to engage in constructive dialogue and foster collaboration to resolve challenges and promote harmonious professional relationships within the labor sector.

Complementing the growth of professional organizations, Cambodia also has a thriving civil society sector. As of February 2024, the Ministry of Interior reported 6,449 registered associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including 2,760 associations, 3,536 NGOs, and 153 Indigenous associations.

In addition, Cambodia’s media landscape is flourishing, with over 2,000 traditional and modern media entities recognized by the Ministry of Information. These include digital platforms, online television, newspapers, press associations, magazines, foreign news agencies, and radio stations (FM and AM). The growth in media outlets is a testament to the country’s dedication to fostering freedom of expression and information dissemination.

These developments indicate a strong trajectory of progress in Cambodia’s labor rights and civic engagement sectors. The increasing numbers of professional organizations, civil society groups, and media entities reflect a growing climate of openness, collaboration, and institutional maturity within the country.

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