HE Keo Remy Visited People Receiving Treatment and Rehabilitation at Orkas Knhom Centre
HE Keo Remy Visited People Receiving Treatment and Rehabilitation at Orkas Knhom Centre
On the morning of Monday, 22 July 2024, HE Senior Minister Keo Remy, President of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC), visited 789 people (78 females) who are staying at Orkas Knhom Centre for treatment and rehabilitation, with the participation of HE Sok Buntha, Secretary of State, representing the Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Ms Mom Chandany, Director of the Department of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation of Phnom Penh, dignitaries and officials of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation and of the Department of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation of Phnom Penh, and dignitaries, members and volunteer lawyers of the CHRC.
The aim of this visit is to assess the living conditions of the victims receiving treatment and rehabilitation at the centre; it focuses on the exercise of their fundamental rights, access to healthcare, food supply, vocational skills training and rehabilitation for their integration into society.
The Senior Minister stated that “The issues arising within families and society often stem from parents who strive to raise their children to be responsible individuals, good students, and contributing citizens. However, if you stray down the wrong path, it can result in the deterioration of families, society, and yourselves because drug abuse severely harms both physical and mental health, leading to mental illness. This can trigger domestic violence, property damage, traffic accidents, and disturbances to public security and order. Ultimately, it results in lost opportunities for the future and employment, instills fear in families and communities, depletes societal human resources, and places an additional burden on the government.” He encouraged them to cultivate a strong sense of self-determination to overcome drug use, work towards positive change, earn the trust of their parents, siblings, and actively engage in the construction, protection, and development of their country. In addition, he also highlighted the Royal Government’s commitment to implementing strict measures to ensure the country becomes drug-free. Officials and dignitaries of various ministries and institutions will undergo drug testing, and those who test positive will be removed from their positions. He urged all members of the public to be accepting and supportive of those recovering from drug addiction as they rejoin the community, and to encourage them in their efforts to overcome substance abuse. He arranged for an ITF Taekwondo coach to help train the individuals at the centre, with the goals of improving their physical and mental well-being, enabling them to successfully reintegrate into their communities, and facilitating their ability to live harmoniously with their loved ones.
Finally, he expresses his gratitude to the Royal Government led by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, who consistently prioritises the welfare of all individuals, particularly regarding health and the right to life and to the Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation and the Governor of Phnom Penh for their efforts in managing the care and living conditions of the victims at the centre. Additionally, he contributed some medicines and essential food supplies for the center’s use.
