"Social fund to cover pensions", 5 August 2019

At a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hun Sen …, the Council of Ministers approved a draft law on expanding the scope of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to cover pensions…

The draft law aims to expand the social security fund according to the principles of solidarity and equality and comprises four parts – pensions, healthcare, health and safety at work, and unemployment benefit.

The composition of the law is designed to improve the livelihoods of workers, allowing them to live with greater dignity. This includes workers in the public sector and those who come under the labour law, including housemaids, flight attendants, ship crews and the self-employed.

Government spokesman Phay Siphan told … that passing the law was a top priority, with it to be forwarded to the National Assembly ...

“The law is needed and is under the direction of Prime Minister Hun Sen. When passed, its application will be made according to the law, with those who fail to apply it being in the wrong,” he said…

Centre for Alliance of Labour and Human Rights (Central) programme coordinator Khun Tharo told … that he applauded the content of the draft law, with workers in the informal sector, including maids, having been incorporated.

However, he said its scope should be expanded to include workers in all sectors. He also raised concerns over the effective application of the law when it comes into effect.

… The participation of the public and private sectors, the government, workers and employers were needed to ensure the transparent and effective application of the NSSF body’s mandate, Tharo said…