Phnom penh: Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha has issued a nationwide call for public and private institutions, as well as social media influencers, to join a campaign promoting educational videos aimed at preventing child traffic accidents and drowning. The appeal was made Monday afternoon during the launching ceremony of the public awareness videos at the Ministry of Interior. H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha, who also chairs the National Road Safety Committee (NRSC), presided over the event.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha thanked UNICEF for its ongoing collaboration with the NRSC and the Ministry of Interior’s General Department of Administration. He highlighted that road accidents and drowning remain critical threats to children’s safety, causing widespread concern for families and communities.

The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the video campaign as a vital measure to reduce child fatalities, injuries, and disabilities. In Cambodia, traffic incidents and drowning are among the leading causes of death for children and youth. H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha emphasised that the launch is only an initial step, and that the campaign’s long-term success depends on a sustained, collective effort from all sectors of society. He urged government bodies, associations, the private sector, artists, and social media personalities to ensure the safety messages are widely and continuously shared.

Beyond digital promotion, he advocated for disseminating the campaign through religious and community events, LED billboards, roadside ads, and national radio and television broadcasts, including in major tourist zones. Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Representative to Cambodia, echoed the urgency, noting that many children face daily risks traveling to school, often walking along busy roads or crossing rivers and flooded areas.

While most children arrive safely, it is tragic that some do not, due to road accidents or drowning. Dr. Parks stated, reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Royal Government in the initiative. According to 2024 data, drowning fatalities in Cambodia reached approximately 7.6 per 100,000 people, with children under 15 being the most affected group. In the same period, road accidents claimed 1,588 lives, with a significant and concerning proportion of victims being youths aged 15 to 19.