H.E Nhean Sochetra on Pride & IDAHOTB 2021 celebration

Part of Pride and IDAHOTB 2021 celebration, we are honored to have Her Excellency Nhean Sochetra,Director General of the General Department of Social Development, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, answer some of our questions relate to Ministry support toward LGBT+ community including the new National Action Plan on the Prevention of Violence Against Women 2019-2023 (NAPVAW III).

1. From your observation, what is the current situation of LGBTIQ people?

I observe that there are changes in our society and there is more recognition of LGBTIQ rights. Some education institutions allow and very open to LGBTIQ people. This is a lot different from in the past when there were many restrictions on LGBTIQ people.

2. Why is it necessary for you to support the LGBTIQ community?

LGBTIQ people are also citizens who are entitled to all the rights and they shall receive full attention, respect, and protection from the state. Society, as well as families and schools, now have changed and there is more recognition of LGBTQ people.

3. What have you done so far to support the LGBTIQ community?

I have always been supportive of the LGBTIQ community. In the National Action Plan on the Prevention of Violence Against Women 2019-2023, we have included LBT issues; also LBT women have been identified as one of the most vulnerable groups to be focused on in the implementation of this Plan. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs plays a role to coordinate and take lead in the development of this National Action Plan.

4. What other plans do you have to continue to improve the situation of LGBTIQ?

In relation to the National Action Plan on the Prevention of Violence against Women 2019-2023, we are now in the process to develop an operation plan for the implementation of this National Action Plan. The first strategy, on prevention of violence against women and girls, aims at reducing violence against women and girls through multi-sectoral prevention strategies involving relevant ministries and institutions that focus on key stakeholders in the workplace and elsewhere to promote positive changes in the mindset and attitude of people in our society.

Some important areas in this strategy are education and youth, family and children, community and workplace, and culture and media. The Ministry has incorporated LBT issues into a positive parenting strategy. In addition, the Ministry will disseminate and raise awareness about this strategy to LBT families so that parents understand about positive parenting and do not discriminate against or reject their LBT children. As for community and the workplace, this strategy also intends to build better working conditions by ensuring that there is no sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. We are also working with the media and culture sectors to promote gender equality and moral values.