Acid law to have article on bias

Mom Kunthear and Irwin Loy

Phnom Penh Post

THE deputy director of a committee charged with drafting legislation covering acid crimes said Monday that he planned to introduce an article aimed at preventing workplace discrimination against victims, a statement that was praised by victims’ advocates.

Ouk Kimlek, who is also an undersecretary of state at the Interior Ministry, said he hopes the article – which he plans to propose during a meeting expected to be held next week – will include language discouraging employers from refusing to hire victims with scars or other visible injuries resulting from their attacks.

“In our policy, we will make it a point to not discriminate against acid victims at the workplace,” Ouk Kimlek said.

He added, though, that he was unsure whether the committee would consider suggesting punishments for employers who refuse to hire acid attack victims.

“We’re not thinking about whether we will have to penalise company owners or other places that refuse to hire acid victims, because it is a very difficult thing for us,” Ouk Kimlek said. “But we have to set up points about discrimination in the law.”

He emphasised the need to balance victims’ interests with those of business owners who might be concerned that employees with visible injuries would drive away customers.

“For example, if they run a restaurant, and there are many guests who come to eat in their restaurant, and one day, the owner accepts a new waitress who is an acid victim, the next day their business may be bankrupt because customers are afraid of the new waitress’s face,” Ouk Kimlek said.

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