The Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) in Phnom Penh has joined forces with two NGOs to tackle traffic safety concerns in the city's outskirts.

Chin Bunthoeun, executive director of the CRC Phnom Penh branch, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Akiko Sasaki, executive director of Side By Side International (SBSI), and Kong Sovann, founder and strategic advisor of the Cambodia Safety Solution Organization (CaMSafe) on February 28.

The two-year MoU aims to establish partnerships to implement projects and programmes that will improve traffic safety, post-accident response and public health for both residents and visitors in the capital and its suburbs.

Bunthoeun said the agreement signifies a deepening of cooperation between the organisations in various areas of humanitarian service, including disaster preparedness and response, injury and healthcare and broader community outreach.

Sasaki stated that SBSI, a non-profit organisation founded in 1985 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, aims to offer humanitarian aid and supplies. She thanked the CRC for their consistent cooperation with the organisation, culminating in the signing of the agreement.

Sovann said that his organisation is a local NGO focused on preventing deaths and injuries from traffic accidents, promoting resilience and environmental change and enhancing public health.

"Through this MoU, we aim to empower children, youth and women, recognising their critical role in promoting public health within their communities," he said.

In 2023, there were 3,317 traffic accidents, resulting in 1,590 deaths and 4,515 injuries. While the total number of accidents increased by 11 per cent compared to 2022. 

Fatalities decreased by 7 per cent, and injuries increased by 12 per cent.  These figures are from the January report by the National Road Safety Committee (NRSC).