Phnom Penh: Every year on November 14, the International Day of Street Vendors is observed globally, an event organized since 2012. In Cambodia, unions, civil society organizations, businesses, traders, and workers have celebrated this day for nine years, starting in 2015. Street vendors, who are informal economic workers or self-employed individuals, have significantly contributed to the national economy and absorbed the labor force, particularly reducing the risk of migration. Just like formal workers, street vendors deserve respect for their rights, including freedom of expression, the right to organize, the right to form associations, the right to a fair place in public spaces, and protection from discrimination, violence, and persecution. Importantly, they also have the right to full social protection.
Ms. Chan Sokha, a rural street trader in Khun Ream commune, Banteay Srei district, Siem Reap province, shared with the Post-Digital Post that her current living situation is challenging, making it difficult to earn enough to support her daily life and budget. She faces health care and medical expenses due to her sales, while her family remains unaware of the social security system's free health care program. She emphasized the need for the government, especially local authorities, to promote the inclusion of street vendors by establishing registration places in communes/sangkats for health care registration and free treatment through social protection programs.
Vorn Pov, president of the Association of Independent Democrats of Informal Economy (IDEA), an association working to improve the lives of workers and traders, highlighted the difficulties faced by street vendors. These include the refusal to sell in previously designated areas due to public order, challenges during the rainy season with muddy and unsanitary selling locations, and the lack of facilities for children. Additionally, street vendors are burdened by significant debts, competing with foreign businesses allowed by the government, and managing various living expenses.
Mr. Vorn Pov stated that the association organized the International Day of Street Vendors to promote labor rights and recognition, strengthen social protection, and facilitate cooperation between rural and urban street vendors. This includes engaging in discussions, sharing working conditions and challenges, and providing suggestions to stakeholders for appropriate responses and solutions.
Men Ratana, deputy secretary-general of the Cambodian Farmers' Community Coalition (CCFC), emphasized the income source street vendors provide for families. He urged the government to establish mechanisms for monitoring policies, exempting street vendors from certain taxes or commissions, and ensuring widespread dissemination of information about social protection programs. This, he believes, would enhance the living conditions of street vendors, contributing to the national economy.
Oxfam Cambodia (OXFAM) and the Independent Democratic Association of Informal Economy (IDEA) have collaborated to mark the 11th International Day of Street Vendors, focusing on the "Social Protection System for Street Vendors in Cambodia." Their joint efforts aim to address the challenges faced by street vendors in Cambodia, recommending a review of the law on social security issued in November 2019 to extend its scope of application to individuals in the public sector, those subject to the provisions of the Labor Law, including air and sea personnel, domestic workers, and self-employed individuals.
