Background
The Multi-sectoral Coordination Mechanism to Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV Working Group) is established under the Provincial/Municipal Committee for Women and Children (CCWC) at provincial, municipal, district, and khan levels. Its purpose is to strengthen timely, effective, and quality interventions and services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), through coordinated multi-sectoral actions involving health, legal assistance, psychosocial counseling, police and justice officers, and social services.
Scope of Application
The GBV Working Group operates as a sub-national mechanism active in 11 provinces/capital cities and 51 districts/municipalities (khans). It functions within the framework of providing multi-sectoral services for GBV survivors, coordinating among various service providers and authorities to ensure comprehensive survivor support. The group currently manages 11 one-stop service centers located in referral hospitals at the provincial/capital city level, with plans to expand coverage to additional provinces nationwide.
Key Provisions or Decisions
On 26-27 February 2026, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, supported by the Australian Government through the ACCESS 2 program and in partnership with UNFPA, organized a two-day workshop reviewing the activities of the GBV Working Group during 2025. The group was operational in eight provinces including Kampong Cham, Tbong Khmum, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, Ratanakiri, Stung Treng, Kampong Speu, and Preah Sihanouk. The workshop, chaired by Mrs. Hu Sameth, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, involved 73 participants (52 women and 1 person with disabilities) and focused on achievements, challenges, and solutions in GBV response work.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
This mechanism represents the government’s institutional approach to multi-sector coordination in addressing gender-based violence at local levels. Stakeholders engaging in social or community programs, health, or legal sectors should recognize the formalized role of the GBV Working Group as a coordinating and service facilitating entity within relevant localities. Its expansion indicates increased governmental prioritization of GBV response and potential partnerships or compliance considerations for service providers working with GBV survivors.
Official Source
The information is sourced from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs official Facebook post published on 27 February 2026: https://www.facebook.com/mowa.gov.kh/posts/pfbid038J9WghC72wpysXnDPeeAv6EEHJ1M84T1nHMG3jAdBfmM1HirB6Lzs2z3tspkxnfJl
