Protect Cambodian Children from Brain Injury

Everyone deserves the right to have safe commutes to and from work. Safe commuting practices are a crucial pillar of societal well-being and productivity for all. In Cambodia, this essential human right is a distant dream for garment and factory workers. Thousands of garment and footwear factory workers risk their lives traveling to work.

In 2022, more than 3,900 factory workers were injured and more than 63 workers died during their commute. Worker transportation vehicles are often poorly maintained, overloaded, and unsafe for passenger transportation. These commuting risks are preventable. To address these dangers and work together to find solutions, AIP Foundation hosted a second national workshop on the Possibility to Transition from Trucks to Safer Vehicles as part of the Prevention and Participation program supported by VF Corporation.

This workshop provided an opportunity to discuss a successful transition toward safe and seated vehicles for Cambodian garment and footwear factory workers. Solutions and recommendations for workers’ commuting safety were provided with support from various stakeholders including trade union leaders, collective transport representatives, development partners, brands/buyers, and more. This second national workshop was held in close collaboration with Cambodia’s government partners, including the General Secretariat of the National Road Safety Committee (NRSC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training.

“Ensuring the safety of Cambodia’s garment and footwear workers is a top priority at VF Corporation. Our support to the national workshop underscores this commitment. By prioritizing safer passenger vehicles, we’re advancing crucial discussions and enhancing the well-being of those who make our products. Together with our suppliers, local authorities and civil society, this program is driving meaningful change for a safer journey to work,” says Jens Aas, VF Program Manager for Worker & Community Development.

AIP Foundation will continue to educate, advocate, and invest in safe mobility for Cambodian workers. Visit us here and follow us to learn more about our work and receive the latest updates.