Oxfam and IDEA Promoting Decent Work for Informal Economy Workers in Cambodia’s Digital Transition

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Phnom Penh, Cambodia, May 11, 2026_ The Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDEA) and Oxfam jointly celebrated the 140th anniversary of International Labour Day under the theme “Together Promoting Decent Work in the Digital Context for Informal Economy Workers.”  The celebration recognized the vital contributions of informal economy workers to Cambodia’s economic growth and food security while drawing attention to the challenges they face in the digital era and the urgent need for stronger social protection and labor rights.

The event held in Phnom Penh on May 11, 2026, brought together approximately 250 participants, including representatives of street vendors, informal economy workers, civil society organizations, trade unions, development partners, and government ministries.

From street vendors to food delivery personnel, domestic workers, smallholder farmers and waste pickers, these workers form the backbone of the nation’s workforce. They have absorbed returning migrants, reduced risky migration, and created job opportunities across the country. Yet, despite their contributions, they continue to face instability, occupational health and safety risks, and limited access to social protection.

Ms. Sophoan Phean, National Director of Oxfam, said, “Informal economy workers are the driving force of Cambodia’s economy. This International Labour Day is not only a commemoration but also a call to action to ensure that digital transformation and social protection policies include and empower informal economy workers.”

As Cambodia pursues its ambition to become a high-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050, ensuring decent work in the digital era is essential. Social protection policies, labor rights, and occupational health and safety are critical to safeguarding livelihoods and reducing poverty risks among informal economy workers. 

Mr. Pao Vorn, President of IDEA, said, “We must ensure that informal economy workers are not left behind in this transition and that their rights, health and livelihoods are fully protected in line with the context of the evolving global condition.”

“We work every day to support our families, but without proper health protection, one accident can take away our income and livelihoods,” said Sokha, a street vendor from Phnom Penh. 

Looking at gig or platform workers in Cambodia, they are increasingly shaping the country’s digital economy, yet they remain among the most vulnerable in the labour market. Unlike employees in formal sector, these workers are often self-employed or independent contractors, managing their own clients and income without the security of a fixed salary or long-term employment contract. They often lack social protection such as health insurance, paid leave, or retirement benefits. Their income is highly unstable, depending on demand, platform algorithms, and competition.

Dany, a food delivery worker, said, “Digital platforms can help us register and access to healthcare scheme but most of us do not know how to use them. We also need more training and support to keep up with this change. The owners of the company do not consider registering us with the National Social Protection Fund as stated in different national policies.”

Pao added that “We need a policy that ensures gig or platform workers equal protection and rights. We ask that the Government of Cambodia prioritize protections for gig or platform workers by extending social protection, clarifying their legal status and ensuring fair working conditions. Current situation leaves most workers classified as independent contractor, which exclude them from benefits like minimum wage, paid leave and health insurance.”

The Royal Government of Cambodia has introduced significant measures, including expanding social security coverage, providing health equity cards, cash assistance programs, and digital registration platforms for skills development and vocational training. These initiatives mark important progress, but challenges remain. Informal economy workers still struggle with inadequate childcare facilities, rising commodity prices, limited digital literacy, and insufficient research on their workforce, particularly in Phnom Penh.

The event provided a platform for informal economy workers to share their experiences and challenges directly with policymakers and stakeholders. It also featured a presentation from the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation on new policies developments for informal economy workers as well as two discussions on “Social protection policy and the development of social protection policy in the digital context for the informal economy” and “Towards occupational safety and health for the informal economy workers.”

The celebration highlighted the importance of cooperation between informal economy workers and institutions, with the shared goal of building a more inclusive and equitable future for Cambodia’s workforce.