AKP Phnom Penh, June 13, 2025 --

The Royal Government of Cambodia has launched a cash assistance programme aimed at supporting pregnant inmates and children under the age of two who are living with their incarcerated mothers.

The initiative is guided by a sub-decree of 22 articles, signed on June 6 by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, and released to the media yesterday.

Effective immediately, the programme seeks to improve maternal nutrition, enhance the well-being of incarcerated mothers, and support the physical and mental development of their small children.

Under the sub-decree, pregnant inmates are eligible to receive 80,000 Riel [approximately US$20] for each prenatal health check-up, with support available up to four times.

Mothers giving birth while in custody will receive 400,000 Riel for a single child, 600,000 Riel for twins, and 800,000 Riel for triplets, and an additional 200,000 Riel will be provided for each extra child beyond triplets.

Furthermore, the mothers will receive 80,000 Riel for each of three postnatal check-ups, and for each of the seven rounds of vaccinations given to their children up to the age of two.

The sub-decree also outlines the roles of various ministries and agencies involved in the programme’s implementation.

They are the National Social Protection Council, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, the National Social Assistance Fund (as the implementing body), the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.

 
By Thyda You