Introduction:

Deaths and injuries caused by road crashes are a major and growing public health concern. The World Health Organization has estimated that, worldwide, 1.27 million people are killed in road crashes every year. In addition, road crashes cause between 20 million and 50 million non-fatal injuries and are an important cause of disability[1]. 

In Cambodia, the numbers of road crashes, fatalities and disabilities are alarming. Over the last five years, the number of crashes has increased by more than 200% and the number of fatalities has almost doubled. Almost 90% of casualties are motorbike riders, pedestrians and bicyclists. Road crashes in 2009 had an enormous impact on the social and economic welfare of Cambodia with an estimated annual cost of 248 million USD[2].

To counteract the growing trends in crashes and casualties, the Royal Government of Cambodia has highlighted road safety as a key national challenge.   In 2004, a significant milestone was achieved with the approval of a 5-Year National Road Safety Action Plan.  The plan has been implemented via a strong partnership approach, which enables different government ministries and departments to work together with the private sector and civil society stakeholders.

In March 2010, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously approved Resolution A/64/255) which called for a Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. Responding to this resolution, all UN member country and organizations plan to prioritize resources and actions at reducing the road crash fatality rate by 50% in 2020. Cambodia has declared their support for the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety.

Cambodian Road Safety Action Plan 2011-2020:

Following the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety declaration, Cambodia has been developing its 2011-2020 National Road Safety Action Plan, based on the international framework. The plan consists of 7 pillars:

• Pillar 1: Road Safety Management
• Pillar 2: Infrastructure
• Pillar 3: Safe Vehicles
• Pillar 4: Safe road user behavior
• Pillar 5: Post Crash Care
• Pillar 6: Law Enforcement
• Pillar 7: Licensing

The Launching Event:

Many countries, organizations and communities are planning the global launch of the Decade of Action for Road Safety on 11 May 2011.  Cambodia will be one of the those countries throughout the world to mark the occasion of the global launch to officially announce its 2011-2020 national plans for the Decade to the public.

To show our commitment to scaling up road safety efforts in Cambodia, several activities will be organized:

1. The Launch of the Decade of Action will become a high profile activity, which is expected to be presided by H.E. Dr. Yim Chhay Ly—Deputy Prime minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia and attended by approximately 130 participants, including ministers, government officials, NGOs, the private sector.  The event will be held at the Phnom Penh Hotel in the  morning of 11th May 2011. The agenda will mainly consist of:
   1. Speech of H.E. Tram Ivtek—Minister of Public Works and Transport, Chairman of the National Road Safety Committee (NRSC)
   2. Speech of Handicap International Belgium as a representative of the road safety stakeholders
   3. Speech of WHO representative for the UN Decade of Action General Secretariat
   4. Speech of H.E. Dr. Yim Chhay Ly to support the launch of Decade of Action.
   5. A presentation on the Cambodian Road Safety Action Plan 2011-2020
   6. Distribution of the UN decade tag-symbol of the Decade of Action
   7. Press conference.

2. Public Awareness Campaigns to inform general road users of the UN Decade of Action and the main risk factors in Cambodia. Activities will include street banners, and media coverage (TV/Radio spots, talk shows and press releases) 

How can your organization contribute to the Launch of the Decade of Action?

The National Road Safety Committee (NRSC) is in the process of organizing and calling for funding to support the launching event. All forms of support and partnerships from your organizations are warmly welcomed. Examples of support that your organization can provide may include financial support to the event via the NRSC, organize complementary events, materials support (helmets, T-shirt printing or technical support). In addition to the ultimate benefit for our society as part of your organization’s or corporate social responsibility, all partners will have the opportunity to:

• Display their contribution (logo) during the event and on materials
• Participate in the launching event
• Contribute funding/technical support via the chairman of the event to NRSC

Contact:

Ms. Men Chansokol
Deputy Director
Department of Transport
National Road Safety Committee
Tel: 011 716 711/077 777 795