Situation analysis of youth in Cambodia

Young people ages 10-24 comprise 36 percent of Cambodia's population; however, the country has yet to reap the dividend from such a large young work force. Despite recent rapid economic growth, there are not enough jobs for the youth which results in continued pressure on public services and resources in areas of education and health. These issues of Cambodian youth are inter-related; i.e. employment is linked to education and skill training and health services are linked to income and information. Children in poor households are more vulnerable to problems associated with poverty and social exclusion. There is need for a national youth policy to address these inequalities and provide guidance in the areas of education, vocational training, health services and information. This study profiles Cambodian youth nationally and identifies human, financial and organizational barriers to fulfilling young people's rights nationally, with special attention given to the most vulnerable.