Context in Cambodia in 2024

 In 2024, Cambodia remained under tight political control, with Prime Minister Hun Manet consolidating power amid continued restrictions on civil liberties, opposition activity, and independent media. Civil society faced major obstacles, with over 90% of community outreach events disrupted, reflecting a persistently shrinking civic space and increasing international concern over human rights violations. 

Economically, Cambodia maintained a GDP growth rate of 5.6%, driven by exports, tourism, and construction. However, inflation (3.2%) and low wages—especially in the garment sector—kept many workers in financial precarity, with 73% of them needing loans for basic needs. The minimum wage was raised to $204/month, but gender pay gaps and poor working conditions persist, particularly for women and informal workers. The informal economy, still dominant, prompted the government to accelerate social protection reforms. In 2024, Cambodia launched the National Social Protection Policy Framework 2024–2035, introduced new policy tools for the formalization of informal workers, and expanded digital systems for registration and benefit delivery. These reforms have significantly improved coverage: over 7 million people are now protected, including 2.5 million under healthcare and nearly 5 million under the Health Equity Fund. However, gaps remain, particularly in unemployment protection and equitable access.

Trade unions like CLC and networks such as SP4ALL continued to play a crucial role in advocating for inclusive, rights-based social protection, despite limited space for activism. Notably, over 40% of CLC members are now covered by NSSF schemes, thanks to persistent advocacy targeting vulnerable informal workers who still lack awareness or access to protection mechanisms.