Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted major socio-economic challenges that will deeply impact the country in the coming years. Severe health risks, economic and livelihood losses, business
decline, lack of income, unemployment, debt and food insecurity are having a dramatic effect on the wellbeing of families and communities, which could push more people in poverty and
deepen inequalities. Amid the impacts highlighted in this brief, it is clear that Cambodia is facing a double challenge: on the one hand to contain the health pandemic, and on the other to respond to its economic and social impacts. Pro-poor measures that ensure the protection of the most vulnerable population and mitigate the socio-economic impact of the pandemic are therefore critical in the response. This brief outlines the implications of the Covid-19 crisis on the most vulnerable groups in Cambodia, it summarizes the key areas of response from the government and highlights the importance of social protection to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the crisis.