Outcomes of the Second Meeting on ECCC Residual Functions

The second meeting of the Royal Government’s Task Force on cooperation with the UN and development partners addressed the ECCC’s residual functions and future legacy institution. Key discussions included preserving archives, promoting educational outreach on genocide prevention, and fostering national and international partnerships. The meeting culminated in plans for the National Day of Remembrance on May 20, 2025, aimed at promoting the ECCC’s legacy and preventing future atrocities.

On March 12, 2025, a significant meeting took place at the Council of Ministers Friendship Building in Phnom Penh, presided over by H.E. VONGSEY Vissoth, the Permanent Deputy Prime Minister. The meeting gathered key figures, including H.E. KEO Remy and representatives from 14 pertinent ministries, to discuss the ongoing cooperation with the United Nations and development partners regarding the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) residual functions.

In his opening remarks, H.E. VONGSEY expressed profound gratitude to former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN for his role as the visionary architect behind the ECCC, which has enabled direct victim participation in court proceedings. He emphasized that this court has played a historic role in national reconciliation and the promotion of peace, aligning with both the Paris Peace Accords and the win-win policy.

H.E. Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the continued dedication of Prime Minister HUN MANET to uphold and expand the achievements of his predecessor in fostering enduring peace and sustainable development in Cambodia. The Deputy Prime Minister commended the ECCC’s accomplishments over the past 16 years, highlighting the court’s legacy in promoting historical education, remembrance, and prevention of future atrocities in Cambodia.

The meeting reviewed a Draft Concept Paper to establish an ECCC Legacy Institution. The institution aims to manage and preserve archives, promote training and research on the ECCC’s experiences, enhance educational outreach regarding genocide prevention, and foster partnerships for peace education at both national and international levels.

H.E. VONGSEY highlighted that this legacy institution will serve as a national body open to collaboration with various organizations, focusing on promoting the ECCC’s legacy, supporting victims, and fostering a culture of peace and universal justice—critical values for contemporary Cambodia.

Concluding the meeting, decisions were made for a comprehensive celebration of the National Day of Remembrance on May 20, 2025. The aim is to highlight the ECCC’s achievements and legacy widely, strengthening cooperation among ministries and institutions to ensure such atrocities never occur again, ultimately safeguarding peace and sustainable development in Cambodia.

The recent meeting focused on advancing the ECCC’s residual functions and the establishment of a legacy institution to preserve its historical significance. The effort underscores the importance of collaboration among national entities and international partners in promoting peace, educational outreach, and the prevention of future atrocities. Such initiatives reflect Cambodia’s commitment to maintaining long-lasting peace and counteracting the potential return of genocide. The upcoming National Day of Remembrance signifies a robust response toward honoring past victims and fostering a culture of remembrance and justice.

Original Source: www.phnompenhpost.com