Mr. Long Paosy, a 52-year-old disability rights advocate from Koh Kong Province, has dedicated his life to amplifying the voices of people with disabilities. Despite living with a physical disability, Mr. Paosy has emerged as a leader in his community, advocating for inclusive policies and climate change preparedness.

Born with a disability in both arms and his left leg, Mr. Paosy faced numerous challenges, from navigating daily life to accessing education and services. These personal struggles fuelled his determination to advocate for others facing similar circumstances. Growing up in Koh Kong Province, he witnessed the marginalisation of people with disabilities in his community, which motivated him to act.

Mr. Paosy has served as Executive Director of the Disabled People's Organization (DPO) in Koh Kong since 2009, and his commitment is rooted in his personal experiences and the desire to ensure that the rights of all individuals with disabilities are recognized, respected, and protected.

 “I wanted to represent all people with disabilities and to bring their voices to the attention of partner organizations, national and sub-national authorities, and relevant institutions. I wanted to ensure that their rights are realized and that they can express themselves without facing discrimination,” he explained.

Mr. Paosy lives in Village Buon, Sangkat Dang Tung, Khemarak Phoumin Municipality, with his wife, El Smak, 50, who runs a grocery store at home, and their four sons. One of them, a 16-year-old boy, was injured in a car accident and now lives with a paralyzed left forearm and a fractured right jaw. Despite these challenges, Mr. Paosy continues to lead by example, balancing family responsibilities with his social work.

In Koh Kong Province, the effects of climate change have become increasingly severe. Droughts, intense winds, heavy rainfall, and floods disrupt daily life and threaten the livelihoods of many.

Paosy’s family has faced significant difficulties, particularly during a drought when water shortages become critical. The family often struggles with limited water supply, relying on small quantities of distributed water and making additional purchases to meet their needs. During floods, roads become impassable, shops close, and daily routines are disrupted, including his children's ability to attend school.

Despite these difficulties, Mr. Paosy remains resilient, advocating for better solutions to protect vulnerable communities.

In September 2023, the Disability-Inclusive Climate Action (DCA) project, considering the needs of people with disabilities, was launched in Koh Kong Province. The project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and jointly implemented by Save the Children, the Cambodian Disabled People’s Organization (CDPO), and the DPO, operates in Khemarak Phoumin city to Mondul Seima district.

Through his role, Mr. Paosy actively participated in various training sessions and capacity-building workshops offered by the project. These trainings covered topics such as climate change risk reduction, rights of people with disabilities, and advocacy for support from local stakeholders.

“I believe climate issues have significant impacts, especially on people with disabilities, as they often struggle to access information and move independently. It can greatly affect our lives if we fail to take proactive measures,” he said.

Mr. Paosy embraced the knowledge gained from these sessions. He applied it to his family and community by instructing his children and neighbours on how to access vital information via systems like 1294 and sharing knowledge about disaster preparedness. He emphasized the importance of accessible evacuation centres and promoted climate change awareness among people with disabilities.

Mr. Paosy also took an active role in organizing community outreach programs. These initiatives included climate change awareness campaigns, disability rights education, and visits to people with disabilities to assess their needs and provide resources for livelihood development. Working closely with local authorities and the CDPO, Paosy helped report issues affecting people with disabilities and worked to integrate their concerns into broader disaster preparedness plans.

“I am very happy to be part of the DCA Project. It has given me a greater understanding of climate change, and I am committed to sharing this knowledge with others,” Paosy said.

Following Mr. Long Paosy’s advocacy, Koh Kong Province has seen key improvements for people with disabilities, including better access to climate change preparedness information, the establishment of accessible evacuation centres, and the inclusion of disability rights in disaster planning.

Mr. Lang Veth, a 40-year-old wheelchair user from Peam Krasaob Commune, commended Paosy for his dedication, stating that “Paosy has regularly engaged me and people with disabilities in climate change awareness activities. He encouraged us to stand up for our future. I am happy that people with disabilities are not ignored, and we receive support.”

Similarly, Mr. Vorn Chea, 41, a senior official from the CDPO, praised Mr. Paosy for his commitment to the project despite its challenges. “Mr. Paosy’s collaboration in implementing the DCA Project has been remarkable. His understanding of the community’s needs, especially those of people with disabilities, is inspiring, and he works closely with CDPO to achieve results,” he noted.

Paosy views the DCA Project as a vital tool for protecting his community, particularly people with disabilities, from the growing threats posed by climate change. His dedication to promoting inclusivity in disaster preparedness has made a significant difference in the lives of many. However, he believes there is still more to be done.

“I would like to request more training on climate change and disability rights for both DPOs and local authorities so that we can properly support people with disabilities,” Mr. Paosy said. “Last but not least, I request relevant public institutions to consider including people with disabilities in their plans.”

Mr. Paosy aims to expand his advocacy efforts by securing more training on climate change and disability rights for both Disability People's Organizations (DPOs) and local authorities. He seeks to enhance community awareness and preparedness for climate-related disasters while ensuring that the voices of people with disabilities are integrated into local and national planning.

Interviewed by: Les Souhainy and Son Senghun - DCA Project Volunteers

Written by: Son Senghun - DCA Project Volunteer and Taing Vida - Communications and Campaign Specialist

Photographed by: Yous Ratha, Communications Officer

Proofread by: Chin Kethya, Donor Reporting and Compliance Specialist

Signed off by: El Sotheary, ACCM Manager