Overview

       Cambodian Disabled People’s Organisation (CDPO) was established in 1994 as a movement of Cambodian persons with disabilities. CDPO is a membership based, non-governmental organisation, representing persons with disabilities in Cambodia and working towards becoming “The voice of persons with disabilities in Cambodia”. CDPO has differentiated itself from other Cambodian disability organisation by building a national network of member DPOs/WWDFs. CDPO does not provide goods or rehabilitation services but rather represents DPOs/WWDFs nationally and advocates for their rights and interests as well as helping to build their rights awareness and capacity towards achieving a life with dignity for persons with disabilities. CDPO’s vision: Persons with diverse disabilities participate fully and equally in society and live with dignity.

Background

          CDPO was established under the National General Assembly in 1995 comprising 119 members, including persons of diverse disabilities and leaders from the government ministries. Since then, CDPO as well as the disability movement, has been officially recognized by the government and the general public and has successfully promoted the rights and participation of persons with disabilities. In 2001 CDPO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MOSVY) outlining its role and its responsibilities to the people with disabilities in Cambodia. From August 2003 in particular, through internal meetings and in conjunction with ADD International and Cambodia Trust organisations, agreements have been reached and actions taken which have enabled CDPO to strengthen its Governing Board. CDPO proceeded to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and to develop the networks of persons with disabilities, working towards their empowerment, their full & equal participation and a life of dignity in society. To date, CDPO has a membership base of 56 Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and Federation of persons with disabilities, including 8 Women with Disabilities Forums (WWDFs) which are recognized by the Ministry of Interior (MOI). On 15th March, 2010 CDPO was granted a permission letter from MOI to work with 46 commune councils within 23 provinces in Cambodia.

Value

• Transparency and Accountability

• Rights Based Approach

• Respect and Inclusivity

• One voice of persons with disabilities

• Partnership and Collaboration

Mission

         CDPO IS AN ORGANISATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WHOSE MISSION ISTO: • Represent the voice of persons with diverse disabilities, including women and children and persons of ethnic minorities with disabilities. • Develop networks that work towards promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities so that they are empowered to bring about their full participation and equality in society to live with dignity. • Monitor and encourage the government and relevant stakeholders to implement the Law on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and relevant sub-decrees, parkas, government policies relevant to the rights of persons with disabilities and CRPD in order that the rights or persons with disabilities are realized.

Vision

Persons with diverse disabilities participate fully and equally in society and live with dignity.

Goal

1. Government, private sector, donors and CSOs are more inclusive of persons with diverse disabilities, including women.

2. An increased number of stakeholders, including diverse disability groups, women with disabilities, minority ethnic groups, and