Oxfam signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MoLVT) at the Ministry’s office on 26 June 2026, marking a significant milestone in advancing labour rights and social protection in Cambodia.

The agreement comes at a crucial time as Cambodia works to expand social protection coverage and support vulnerable groups, including women, youth and informal economy workers. The partnership aims to ensure that no one is left behind in the country’s development journey by promoting entrepreneurship and strengthening labour systems. 

The MoU reaffirms both parties’ commitment to achieving the objectives outlined in the National Social Protection Policy Framework 2024–2035 and aligns with Cambodia’s active participation in the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions. It reflects shared values of decent work, social justice, and inclusive growth, while recognizing the essential role of disadvantaged communities in driving resilience, social cohesion, and green transition.

“This partnership represents a shared commitment to promoting social protection, labor rights, and gender equality, and collectively we are moving toward building a more resilient and inclusive economy in Cambodia.”

Ms. Sophoan Phean
Oxfam National Director

“H.E. Sour Heng, Minister of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, highlighted the strong cooperation between the Ministry and Oxfam and expressed full support for the MoU describing it as a foundation for deeper dialogue and mutual cooperation. He also emphasized the Ministry’s vision to expand social security coverage based on equality and equity, ensuring transparency and sustainability. He outlined strategies to help transition informal economy workers into formal systems so they can access benefits such as occupational risk coverage, healthcare, and pensions.He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to close collaboration with Oxfam in employment, social security, and skills development programs. This includes technical coordination, linking with relevant stakeholders, and sharing information to ensure joint activities meet the real needs of Cambodian workers.”

Looking ahead, the partnership will focus on capacity development, policy collaboration, resource mobilization, and engaging stakeholders to deliver lasting impact. By prioritizing women’s economic empowerment and reinforcing social protection systems, Oxfam and MoLVT aim to contribute to sustainable national development and inclusive growth.

Between 2026 and 2028, Oxfam and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training will continue to strengthen Cambodia’s labour and social protection systems through national forums, policy dialogues, training programs, and awareness campaigns. The cooperation program will prioritize women’s economic empowerment by establishing and supporting at least ten women‑led enterprises, advancing social protection for the informal economy with concrete policy recommendations and the enrollment of 5,000 individuals into formal systems. In addition, capacity‑building efforts will ensure that professional organizations, civil society groups, and at least 2,000 workers gain knowledge of the decent work agenda. 

Oxfam has been actively engaged in strengthening social protection in Cambodia for almost two decades working with government institutions, civil society, and communities to expand coverage and improve access for vulnerable groups. Over the years, Oxfam has collaborated with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, the National Social Protection Council, Ministry of Women’s Affairs and other stakeholders on various initiatives to promote decent work and inclusive development. While this is not the first time Oxfam and MoLVT have worked together, the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks the first official framework of cooperation, sharing a shared commitment to scale up efforts on social protection, women’s economic empowerment, and just transitions in Cambodia.