Cambodia - October 27, 2014

On October 27-28, a delegation led by Greig Craft, President of AIP Foundation, met with several senior legislative members and development partners in Cambodia to introduce the USAID Development of Innovation Ventures funded project, “Head Safe. Helmet On.” The meeting aimed to advocate and share scientific evidence for the swift passage of the draft Road Traffic Law, in which motorcycle passengers including children are mandated to wear helmets. Officials included the Heads of commissions of both the National Assembly and Senate who are responsible for Public Works, Transports, Telecommunication, Post, Industry, Mine, Energy, Commerce, Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction; Senior Infrastructure Specialist of the World Bank; Cambodia Resident Mission; and Senior Project Officer of the ADB.

At the moment, legislative approval is still needed by the National Assembly and Senate for the passage of the Road Traffic Law, and according to the meetings, it is expected that the final discussion and approval process to pass the draft Law will take place soon. AIP Foundation is strongly encouraged to see advocacy efforts leading towards change, and are excited that the “Head Safe. Helmet On.” project is being implemented at such a crucial time in Cambodia.

AIP Foundation was warmly welcomed by those officials, in particular from the legislative bodies and received firm support for the implementation of the “Head Safe. Helmet On.” project. Moreover, AIP Foundation was recommended to further contribute to address the current acute road traffic crashes in Cambodia and increase the use of standard helmets.