RGC townhall on the ECCC legacy institution

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Commend long standing collaboration on the ECCC 

Today marks more than 28 years since the Royal Government of Cambodia made the formal request to the United Nations for support in establishing what is now the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), to prosecute the serious crimes and human rights violations during the Khmer Rouge Regime (17 April 1975 – 6 Jan 1979). It is 19 years since the ECCC started its work here in Phnom Penh, and 2,5 years since it ended its trial work and commenced its residual work.

It has been a remarkable journey, an extraordinary joint venture, for both the Royal Government and the United Nations.

The ECCC is a hybrid court, with the majority of staff and decision makers at all levels being Cambodians.  The ECCC is therefore first and foremost a Cambodian institution. Its achievements are Cambodian achievements. The United Nations has been committed to supporting the court’s operations throughout this journey. That long standing support and collaboration are testament to the strong relationship between the United Nations and Cambodia – one that we expect to continue into the legacy institution being discussed today.

Unprecedented public awareness work 

The importance of the Court is unique on the world stage. Its impact transcends its judgments and convictions; it’s reconciliatory justice will continue to benefit Cambodia in the future. Accountability brought recognition – of the past and of human suffering. Dignity was returned to a nation which suffered and reconciled itself with a troubled past. Through remembrance came awareness and education. Active public outreach enabled nearly 250,000 people to see the work at the court, in person. An additional 515,000 people were reached through an impressive and unprecedented public engagement.  This is the powerful legacy which underpins a future for Cambodia without atrocities.

It is vital, both for the Cambodian society and for the international community that the lessons of the past are not forgotten, and that they form part of the memory of the world, highlighting the vital role of human rights and the values of tolerance, resilience and remembrance as critical building blocks for a sustainable peace. 

Delivery against the SDGs

The work of the ECCC can also be seen as evidence of the Cambodian government’s commitment to deliver on its international obligations, such as the 1948 Genocide convention and the more recent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 16 on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring that no Cambodians are left behind. Building confidence in public institutions, strengthening the rule of law and the judiciary, and fostering civic empowerment through meaningful and inclusive participation and knowledge-sharing are critical pathways for sustainable development. The United Nations encourages, warmly welcomes and is ready to support these activities. 

Way forward 

Although the trials of the ECCC have drawn to a close, and soon also its residual work, the value of the Court and its legacy, including extensive archives and resources, will continue to offer dividends – not only to the Cambodian society but also to all of humanity. It is therefore absolutely vital that the work the Court – and the way in which it was undertaken – is not consigned to the past. Instead, it should remain vital and alive, integrated into the education system in high schools, universities and professional training and research programs, across all disciplines. Particularly in Cambodia, as well as regionally and beyond. 

• For those engaged with the legal profession – be they law students, lawyers, judges, prosecutors, law- and policymakers – the work of the ECCC is an important touchstone of both Cambodian jurisprudence and public policy. Its relevance and legal best practices to those reforming and refining the Cambodian justice system will only grow.
• And this is equally true for those outside the legal world. The work of the ECCC offers lessons and issues that will bear fruit for historians, sociologists, and scholars from across the spectrum of academic and policy interest. Its archive is itself a goldmine for digital humanities and educators alike. Making sure that this body of work – procedural and substantive – is not lost but instead is made as open as possible to the Cambodian people and international community will ensure that the legacy of courage left by victims and their families can be honored and the process of societal reconciliation continues to the betterment of humankind.

Cambodia’s unique position to share her experience and lessons learned 

Cambodia is now in the process of completing her truly extraordinary journey in transitional justice.  The ECCC is one of only a handful of similar courts, in history of the world. The ECCC is unique! The Cambodian experience, its political will to seek justice and reconciliation, offer lessons for other nations. Cambodia is in an exceptional position to share this experience within the region and beyond. 

Quote of the UN Secretary-General visiting Toul Sleng Museum (former S-21)[1]

“The ECCC has demanded that Khmer Rouge leaders be held accountable for their atrocities and provided a voice for the victims and survivors of the regime. Their voices are more important than ever, as hate speech, abuse, discrimination and harassment are rampant in every corner of the globe. By learning to recognise the early warning signs of genocide and other atrocities and to recognise the values of inclusion and dignity, we can build a foundation for a future where such horrors cannot happen again.” [emphasis here]   

The Royal Government’s initiative to create the new permanent and public legacy institution we heard of here today, is the very cornerstone of the foundation highlighted by the Secretary-General.

In conclusion

Be it bilaterally or through ASEAN, the South-South Cooperation Initiative or through the UN Peacebuilding Commission, I encourage all stakeholders in transitional justice, and in the ECCC particularly, to join with the Royal Government of Cambodia in institutionally ensuring that the work of the ECCC, and its genuine worth are shared as broadly as possible in a long-lasting and sustainable manner. 

Thank you for your attention.

[1] Reference: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/guterres-visits-tuol-sleng-says-never-forget-its-lessons