World Children’s Day Brings Together Thousands in Siem Reap to Champion Children’s Rights

SIEM REAP, 9 November 2026 – UNICEF, in partnership with the Siem Reap Provincial Administration and the APSARA authorities, is celebrating World Children’s Day 2026 with a large-scale child rights event at Hun Sen Rolous Secondary School and Bakong Temple under the theme "Choose a Future for Every Child". The celebration brought together children, young people, families, government representatives, development partners, artists, influencers, and the private sector to promote children’s rights and youth participation. 

World Children’s Day is UNICEF’sglobal day of action for children, by children, and marks the anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Cambodia ratified in 1992. It is an opportunity to celebrate progress for children while renewing commitments to protect and fulfill the rights of every child. 

“Every year, World Children's Day reaffirms a simple but powerful truth: every child matters, every child has rights, and every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Despite their challenges, every time I meet young people across Cambodia, I remain optimistic. I see young people who have the ideas, ambitions, and solutions to the biggest challenges we’re facing today,” said Ms. Maha Damaj, UNICEF Representative to the Kingdom of Cambodia, in a speech for the event’s official opening. 

“Whether they live in a city, a floating community on the Tonle Sap, or a village recovering from crisis, children must be at the centre of our decisions and investments. Today is an opportunity to celebrate their achievements, listen to their aspirations, and reaffirm our commitment to protect their rights under all circumstances.”  

This year’s event features a 3 km and 10 km Fun Run for Children around the historic Bakong Temple area, an official World Children’s Day ceremony, a UNICEF Village - an interactive learning space led by young people - and a free performance from the renowned Phare Circus. The event brought together over 5,000 participants and provided opportunities for children and youth to learn about children’s rights, climate action, online safety, inclusion, mental health, healthy lifestyles, and civic participation. 

While Siem Reap province is known around the world for its rich cultural heritage, many children continue to face significant challenges. Nearly one in three households, representing more than 351,000 people, live in poverty or vulnerable conditions, limiting access to quality education, healthcare, and social protection services. More than 28,000 children are highly exposed to climate-related risks, including floods, extreme heat, and other climate-related shocks that disrupt access to essential services. In addition, more than 16,000 persons with disabilities, including 1,000 children, face significant barriers to accessing opportunities and services. Access to improved water and sanitation services also remains uneven across the province, particularly in rural communities. These realities underscore the importance of continued investments in children and ensuring that no child is left behind. 

The event also highlighted the achievements of Hun Sen Rolous Secondary School, a leading example of youth participation, climate action, and life skills education. Supported by UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the school has become a model for youth leadership through the Local Life Skills Education (LLSE) programme and the Youth Solar (YOSO) initiative, which promote climate awareness, learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, and community engagement. 

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