As the world transitions to green work, clean energy, and renewable resources, ensuring proper employment and social protection is crucial. This global trend, including in Cambodia, aims to minimize the impact on people as societies develop greener economies.

In Cambodia, the number of street vendors is steadily increasing, providing essential employment and income for families. Street vendors, who sell food, vegetables, and other goods in public places, often lack specific locations and move from place to place. According to the National Institute of Statistics in 2021, 49% of employment is formal, 36% are self-employed (including street vendors), and 15% are unpaid family workers.

The International Street Vendor Day has been celebrated globally since November 14, 2012, and this year marks Cambodia’s 10th celebration. In collaboration with relevant ministries, Oxfam, Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association, Solidarity Center, Cambodian Labour Confederation, and ActionAid celebrated the 12th International Street Vendor Day under the theme “Social Protection for Street Vendors for Just Transition and Climate Action in Cambodia” on November 13, 2024.

This event aimed to promote social protection for street vendors, allowing them to discuss and share their working conditions and challenges.

Performance by street vendors on the challenges of selling near hospital fences and include security concerns, legal hurdles etc. Photo: Oxfam

Performance by street vendors on the challenges of selling near hospital fences and include security concerns, legal hurdles etc. Photo: Oxfam

Vanna Yim, a street vendor who attended the event, said, “I am very pleased to be celebrating and receiving support from stakeholders. We gain knowledge and understanding of the country’s national experience and policies and efforts to meet our needs as street vendors.”

In 2024, the International Labor Organization published a global study on job safety and health insurance in the context of climate change, highlighting severe impacts on workers’ safety and health. The study revealed that female workers, such as farmers and street vendors, are at higher risk due to their roles, including the risk of unsuccessful pregnancies and infertility. Informal workers and self-employed individuals face high risks from climate change, lacking safety and health protection, public services, and support infrastructure.

Street vendors play a vital role in improving the family and national economy. They deserve the same rights as other workers, including support in team building, capacity strengthening, and participatory analysis of their needs. Providing opportunities for social dialogue allows them to contribute to policy design, decision-making, and leadership.

Oxfam and partners committed to work closely with the Royal Government of Cambodia and other stakeholders to ensure that social protection goals are achieved, allowing street vendors to receive benefits they rightfully deserve.