The Royal Government of Cambodia held the second meeting of the Task Force on cooperation with the UN regarding the ECCC’s residual functions. Chaired by H.E. VONGSEY Vissoth, the meeting reviewed the ECCC’s achievements and discussed establishing a legacy institution aimed at preserving history and promoting education on genocide prevention. Plans for the National Day of Remembrance were also finalized to enhance acknowledgment of the ECCC’s contributions towards peace and reconciliation.
On March 12, 2025, the Royal Government of Cambodia convened the second meeting of its Task Force on cooperation with the United Nations and development partners, focusing on the implementation of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) residual functions. H.E. VONGSEY Vissoth, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister, chaired the meeting, joined by H.E. KEO Remy, Senior Minister and Chairman of the Cambodian Human Rights Commission, along with representatives from 14 ministries and institutions.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Vissoth expressed profound gratitude to the former Prime Minister, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, who was instrumental in establishing the ECCC as a hybrid court model. He acknowledged the court’s critical role in facilitating victim participation, promoting national reconciliation, and advancing peace under the Paris Peace Accords, thus achieving territorial unity.
The Deputy Prime Minister also commended the continuing efforts of Prime Minister HUN MANET as he builds upon HUN SEN’s legacy, reinforcing long-term peace and sustainable development. H.E. HEM Kranh Tony, Acting Director of the ECCC Administration Office, reported on the court’s achievements from 2006 to 2022 and its efforts in the residual functions for 2023-2024, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical truth to prevent future atrocities.
During the meeting, the Task Force discussed a Draft Concept Paper regarding the establishment of an ECCC Legacy Institution. This institution is designed to manage archives and create a museum detailing the ECCC’s accountability processes, promote research and training regarding its achievements, and enhance education on genocide prevention, both nationally and internationally.
Furthermore, H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Vissoth noted that the proposed legacy institution would serve as a national body open to collaboration with both domestic and international partners to promote peace, justice, and the ECCC’s legacy while supporting victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. The meeting concluded with the planning of a National Day of Remembrance celebration on May 20, 2025, aimed at substantially promoting the ECCC’s achievements to prevent future atrocities and enhance Cambodia’s international standing. He urged participating ministries to intensify their cooperation to ensure enduring peace and sustainable development in Cambodia.
The second meeting of the Royal Government’s Task Force on cooperation with the United Nations focused on the ECCC’s ongoing legacy and residual functions. Emphasizing historical reconciliation, the establishment of an ECCC Legacy Institution aims to manage archives and promote education on genocide prevention. The meeting concluded with plans to enhance the National Day of Remembrance, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to prevent future atrocities and maintain peace in Cambodia.
Original Source: www.phnompenhpost.com
