Third National Older People Forum Explores Support Policies for Elderly in Cambodia

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Battambang province, October 27, 2023_An estimated 225 representatives, comprising more than thirty thousand older people from 25 capital and provinces, convene at the third National Older People Forum under the theme “Older People and Support Policies in Cambodia.” The event held in Battambang City Hall on 27 October 2027. 

HelpAge Cambodia, in collaboration with Oxfam and the United Nations Development Program, joined forces with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation to support the older people network in organizing this National Older People Forum. The primary objective of the forum was to foster engagement between older people and representative from the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, a key government entity. The event aimed to gain insights into the current conditions, challenges and needs of the older people in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The forum provided a platform for the older people and participants to learn the progress made in implementing the action plans of the National Policy for the Elderly, as well as other support policies for the elderly. This gathering the third instance of its kind in Cambodia, drawing the participation of more than 300 representatives from ministries, development partners, civil society organizations and older people across 25 capital and provinces. 

Cambodia is gradually moving towards an aging society. The Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation’s data indicates that the population of Cambodian older people aged 60 and above is steadily increasing each year, reaching nearly 1.4 million by 2023. It is projected to reach 1.5 million by 2025 and is expected to double by 2050.

The increasing number of older people is a celebration. However, it is important to acknowledge the challenges they face in various aspects of their lives, including livelihoods, income, health and the lack of regular caregivers. Many people find themselves responsible for caring for their grandchildren while their parents work in distant locations. These complex issues necessitate a diverse and comprehensive program that provides effective care and support for older people, with particular attention to the needs of elderly women.

Ms. Sophoan Phean, National Director of Oxfam said: “Oxfam is pleased and proud to be able to support and collaborate directly with HelpAge Cambodia and other institutions. Together, we aim to empower older people and amplify their voices, enabling them to secure decent employment opportunities and access comprehensive social care and protection. This support is especially crucial during times of income insecurity, illnesses, shock and emergencies. Oxfam commend the Cambodian government for prioritizing the protection and well-being of older people. Their commitment to this cause demonstrates their dedication to ensuring the welfare of this vulnerable segment of the population.” 

Mr. Vira Tum, Executive Director of HelpAge Cambodia, said: “Cambodia always give respect and valued the older people and regard them as part of the most important resources which transfer a lot of knowledge and experiences to the next generations. Dependents are also perceived as vulnerable. However, certain groups of older people such as those of old age and those of helplessness are considered to be vulnerable. The Royal Government, in particular the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, has paid a lot of attention and put a lot of effort to put in place and implement policies to support the older people, as seen through various social assistance programs and mechanisms to support older people associations. However, based on the overall outcome from the implementation of policies by relevant ministries and institutions, there remained a lot of gaps to be filled. Besides, the National Policy for the Elderly of Cambodia 2017-2030, Cambodia should have additional support programs or social assistance programs designed for the older people (specifically) as a priority. Mr. Tum Vira added designing a support program for them (older people), without determining the poverty of their households, should be the priority which the Royal Government should further consider. Expansion of and support for inter-generational elderly association mechanisms (with involvement from younger people groups) within the communities should also be given higher priority. I hope that the outputs from today's forum will provide additional insights through older people’s feedback, which can be a testament and necessary input for the Royal Government to consider further and design response programs for them for the time being and for the future, especially through the Cambodian National Committee for the Elderly mechanism.

During the second gathering event on October 13rd and 14th, 2022, held in Battambang province, 213 representatives from almost 30,000 older people and stakeholders from 25 capital and provinces came together. The forum focused on topics such as “Social Protection and Association of the Elderly in Cambodia” and “Social Pension for The Elderly in Cambodia.” The second National Older People Forum highlighted the needs and requests expressed by the representatives and participants from various regions of Cambodia. Three priorities needs were identified: 

• Request 1: Providing social pensions for all older people
• Request 2: Issuing equity cards for all older people
• Request 3: Allocate budget to the Commune/Sangkat funds to support local older people associations.

Although there have been no specific​ responses from the government regarding the progress of these requests, on August 30th and 31st, 2023, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation conducted a dissemination workshop. The workshop shared the action plans and the National Policy on the Elderly Phase 2 for 2021-2025, along with the dissemination of various legal instruments. These included a decision to establish an inter-ministerial working group to develop Association of the Elderly Policy and a decision to establish a technical working group to develop guidelines for the establishment of the Intergenerational Elderly Association. 

A study conducted by UNDP in 2022 on the feasibility of building a multi-tiered old pension system in Cambodia found that 50% of older people in the country did not have a paying job, rendering them financially dependent on others. This vulnerability exposes them to exclusion, discrimination and abuse. A study conducted by the National Institute of Social Affairs in early 2021 on the income and social protection of older people during and after the Covid-19 pandemic” found that majority of older people relied on old-age allowances to sustain their livelihoods, particularly in the wake of the pandemic’s impact. 

In a separated study conducted by the National Institute of Social Affairs in late 2018,which covered 5 provinces of Cambodia, it was found that older people primarily relied on remittances form their families, including children and grandchildren, as their main source of income (accounting for up to 71%). Their ability to generate income independently was limited. The study also highlighted that older people often faced destitution as they grew older, having transferred their resources and assets to their children. Older women, in particular, were more likely to lack paid work and were nearly twice as reliant on their family members. This reliance often involved unpaid household chores and caring for grandchildren. 

These studies shed light on the financial challenges and socio-economic circumstances faced by older people in Cambodia, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive social protection to address their vulnerabilities and ensure their well-being.