Policy and Public Financing for Children

Overview

Public investment in children is not only right—it’s smart. Evidence shows that when governments prioritise children through targeted spending and strong public services, societies thrive. Health improves, poverty declines, and economies grow stronger.

In Cambodia, UNICEF has worked closely with the government and development partners to shape child-focused policies and increase investment in children’s well-being. Key results include:

92 per cent of children are now registered at birth, giving them legal identity and access to essential services.¹
Monthly cash transfers through the Family Package reach over 785,000 households, or more than 3.4 million individuals².
More than 279,000 people with disabilities, including over 135,000 women and 17,000children, now have Disability ID cards, enabling access to social services and protection³.
Under-five mortality has dropped from 35 to 16 per 1,000 live births, thanks to expanded health services.
Subnational spending on social services is set to increase from 13 per cent to 32 per cent by 2028.

These achievements reflect UNICEF’s commitment to helping every child survive, thrive, and reach their full potential.

Challenges

Despite progress, nearly half (46.7 per cent) of Cambodia’s children experience multidimensional poverty, meaning they experience multiple vulnerabilities including lack of access to healthcare, education, and protection⁴. One in four people is affected by monetary poverty or at risk of falling into it⁵, and 22 per cent of children live below the poverty line⁶. Children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable, with more than one in three living in monetary poverty⁷. Remote and rural areas face the biggest gaps, with higher rates of malnutrition, school dropouts, and limited services.

Economic and climate shocks deepen these vulnerabilities. Today, 59 per cent⁸ are still not covered by social protection, forcing families to rely on debt and other risky coping strategies.

Solutions

UNICEF Cambodia’s Policy and Public Financing for Children (PPF4C) programme (2024–2028) addresses these barriers. In close partnership with the Royal Government, local authorities, and communities, PPF4C ensures resources reach those who need them most—including children with disabilities, pregnant women, and families in extreme poverty.

With inclusive systems and targeted investments, PPF4C strengthens social protection, promotes community participation, and builds equal opportunities for every child.

Building Inclusive and Sustainable Social Protection Systems

UNICEF is supporting Cambodia to expand and improve its social protection system. At the core is the Family Package, which provides cash support to poor households—including pregnant women, children under two, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and people living with HIV.

Since January 2025, children from poor families will also benefit from education scholarships to boost school enrolment and prevent dropouts. UNICEF offers technical support and training, while the government manages implementation and funding. The Family Package will become Cambodia’s first integrated social registry—digital, shock-responsive, and future-proof.

To ensure efficient and inclusive financing, UNICEF contributes to public finance reform. This includes better planning, risk-informed budgeting, and tracking disability-related spending across ministries—making sure every dollar benefits every child. Notably, in partnership with the government, UNICEF Cambodia is leading efforts to analyse programme budgets across key ministries and public agencies—including the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY), the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF)—to assess spending on disability inclusion. This work helps institutionalise inclusive, child-focused financing and ensures public investments support every child, especially those most at risk.

Empowering Communities and Local Governance

As public services decentralise, local governments now manage more responsibilities and budgets. UNICEF supports this reform by training national and local officials in planning, budgeting, and engaging with citizens. Communities are becoming more involved in shaping their local services, ensuring decisions reflect real needs and children’s rights stay at the centre of governance. This also improves financial management and ensures children’s needs are prioritised at every level.

Making Inclusion Real for Children with Disabilities

UNICEF Cambodia works with the government and partners to improve disability services, make schools and health centres more accessible, and raise awareness to reduce stigma. By contributing technical expertise and advocating for child rights, UNICEF helps ensure that children with disabilities are not left behind.

Promoting Skills and Decent Work for Youth with Disabilities

UNICEF, in partnership with other UN agencies, promotes the social and economic inclusion of youth with disabilities in Cambodia through support to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) centres. These efforts aim to make institutions more accessible and inclusive for all. By equipping youth with disabilities with skills, career guidance, and job placement services, UNICEF helps create real pathways to decent work and independence. This bridges the gap between education and employment, ensuring young people with disabilities can contribute to Cambodia’s growth.