The Arbitration Council Foundation (ACF) in cooperation with U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) held the official launching ceremony of the USAID Award to ACF for the project “Upholding Labor Rights for Women and Men in Cambodia” on 6 August 2015 at Arbitration Council Office.
Addressing distinguished guests during the announcement, Ms. Rebecca Black, USAID Mission Director, outlined that USAID awarded this grant to support the three-year project which supports the Arbitration Council to help resolve conflict among labour groups and employers not only in the garment sector but also many others.
“The Arbitration Council Foundation is a promising model for Cambodia to promote workers’ rights and good industrial relations, which are key factors to ensure the stability and continued growth of Cambodian Industries,” noted Ms. Black.
Mr. In Khemara, Deputy Director General, General Department of Labour, representing H.E. Dr. Ith Samheng, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, welcomed and thanked USAID for supporting the ACF to continue its core mission of providing technical and management support to the Arbitration Council as well as contributing to the strengthening of harmonious industrial relations.
“The support from USAID to the Council will maintain and further institutional sustainability to promote and uphold the labour rights of women and men through an independent, transparent, and neutral labour dispute resolution,” said Mr. Khemara.
Recalling past contributions made by USAID to the establishment of the Arbitration Council, Mr Men Nimmith, Acting Executive Director of ACF, praised USAID for responding to stakeholders’ need to strengthen industrial relations for overall stability and growth of the Cambodian economy; “Today marks the second time that the Arbitration Council receives funding from USAID…, and this reflects two important aspects: first, USAID trust on effectiveness, transparency, and independence of AC dispute resolution process and second, support to AC sustainability.”