In brief
In Siem Reap, more than 5,000 people ran 3‑km and 10‑km routes at Angkor Park on World Children’s Day. UNICEF’s Maha Damaj highlighted the need to safeguard children’s rights amid climate and economic challenges. Runners Mao Bilita and Kun Sokhea urged young people to study hard and rely on community support.
More than 5,000 people gathered at the historic Bakong Temple in Cambodia’s Angkor Archaeological Park on Sunday to celebrate World Children’s Day with a 3‑km and 10‑km fun run.
The run was part of a larger event that brought together children, families, government officials, development partners, artists and local influencers to talk about children’s rights and youth participation.
UNICEF representative Maha Damaj spoke about the importance of protecting children’s rights worldwide, saying that children in cities, floating communities on the Tonle Sap Lake and crisis‑affected villages all deserve safe, healthy environments.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Damaj said, adding that economic shocks, climate change, online sexual exploitation and mental‑health challenges threaten recent progress for children.
The event also featured educational sessions on climate action, online safety, inclusion, mental health, healthy lifestyles and civic engagement.
Mao Bilita, a 23‑year‑old runner, told Xinhua that the fun run successfully blended health advocacy with a joyful atmosphere.
“I am thrilled to see children coming together at this fun run to promote children’s rights,” Bilita said, urging youth to study hard for their futures and to know that people will always listen to and support them.
Kun Sokhea, 24, echoed the sentiment, stressing the need to create environments where children’s rights are fully honored and protected.
“Study hard, and always listen to the advice of your parents and teachers,” Sokhea told reporters, adding that this applies to all Cambodian children.
The run’s goal was to remind communities that children must remain central to decisions and investments, especially in the face of growing social and environmental challenges.
