The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia launched a new program today to support persons with disabilities in Cambodia. The Rehabilitation and Prosthetics Program for Persons with Disabilities in Cambodia was awarded to Veterans International Cambodia (VIC), which will provide rehabilitation and prosthetic services for persons with disabilities. As a result of this assistance, persons with disabilities will be better able to integrate and flourish in their communities. This program underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities as part of broader effort to promote and protect human rights in Cambodia.
“Persons with disabilities are often some of the most vulnerable people in society. They regularly face physical, social, and economic barriers that prevent them from receiving quality and affordable health care, rehabilitation, education, and other disability services,” noted U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Julie Chung. “It is important that persons with disabilities be able to overcome those challenges and more fully participate in their communities. We hope that this program will help persons with disabilities in Cambodia do just that.”
This 18-month program represents a key component of USAID’s support to vulnerable populations in Cambodia. It follows a long history of U.S. government support to Cambodia’s disabled population. VIC will work in close coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation as the Cambodian government continues to take greater responsibility in providing these critical services to persons with disabilities.
About the U.S. Agency for International Development: USAID was founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and serves as the lead agency of the U.S. Government for foreign assistance. Since 1992, USAID has invested approximately $1 billion towards Cambodia’s development.
About Veterans International Cambodia (VIC): Veterans International Cambodia (VIC) is a not-for-profit non-governmental organization localized from the Washington-based International Center founded in 1977. VIC was registered with the Ministry of Interior as a local NGO in 2014.
