UN calls for socio-economic support in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH – The UN in Cambodia has expressed concerns about the lasting impacts of COVID-19 on the socio-economic rights of garment workers.  

Though the organisation has welcomed the country’s decision to prioritise vaccinating garment workers – 500,000 of which are expected to be jabbed by the end of the month – it says the extent of job and income losses among workers has left many on the poverty line.   

“Many workers lack access to an adequate social safety net such as unemployment benefits, which place them at risk of falling into poverty and even hunger. The toll extends to garment workers’ families and the informal economy around factories,” a UN statement said.