Social workforce to be expanded to support vulnerable groups

Prime Minister Hun Manet chats with participants of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2025. AKP

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Synopsis: Prime Minister Hun Manet outlines plans to professionalise the sector, introduce standards, and increase staffing to meet regional benchmarks.

The government will strengthen the social workforce and invest in human resource development, Prime Minister Hun Manet said, warning that a shortage of social workers is limiting support for vulnerable communities.

He also called for urgent social expansion to meet growing national needs.

In a message marking Social Work Day on Thursday under the theme “Together to Provide Hope and Harmony,” Mr Hun Manet highlighted the importance of expanding and boosting the capacity of social workers.

He noted that Cambodia has many public and private institutions training hundreds of social workers each year, while the Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation Ministry has issued guidelines on core competencies for social workers to support effective and high-standard practices.

“The ministry is also preparing to establish a Social Work Professionals Committee to manage and monitor the licensing of social service institutions and social workers in Cambodia,” he said.

According to a 2019 study by the Global Social Work Alliance and UNICEF, Cambodia needs to increase investment in the social sector, develop a clear national strategy, strengthen pre- and in-service training, and formally recognise social workers.

The Prime Minister noted that the number of social workers remains low, with one worker serving about 25,000 people per district. To address this, the government aims to professionalise the sector, introduce common standards, and expand the workforce to meet the ASEAN benchmark of one social worker per 3,500 people.

In recognition of the role of social workers in promoting social justice, protecting human rights and improving public welfare, Mr Hun Manet has designated March 19 as National Social Work Day.

He urged state institutions, non-governmental organisations and development partners to share knowledge and experience and work together.

He said such cooperation would help expand support services for victims and vulnerable groups by reducing poverty, tackling discrimination, promoting social justice, and preventing violence, abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

Mr Hun Manet urged the Ministry of Social Affairs and institutions to better promote the achievements and value of social workers, while calling on the media to raise public awareness of the sector.

Authorities at all levels were told to support and expand social services in communities to improve effectiveness and reach.

In late February, Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation Minister Chea Somethy also highlighted efforts to build human resources in the sector, noting that the Institute of Social Affairs has trained around 1,000 people as of 2025.

More than 14,000 people with disabilities are participating in the workforce without discrimination, particularly in the private sector.

-Khmer Times-
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