Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has put forth a significant call to action, urging both international and local scholars to delve into the study of Cambodia’s genocidal regime by accessing the trove of original documents housed at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). This appeal was made during the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the ECCC Resource Centre. The premier emphasized the enduring historical value of these documents, advocating for their preservation and study to ensure the atrocities of the past are not forgotten but serve as a lesson for generations to come.
Prime Minister Manet underscored the importance of factual accuracy in compiling history, warning against reliance on hearsay or rumors. He stressed the need for the proper preservation and digitalization of ECCC documents to prevent their loss, highlighting that these are invaluable resources for understanding Cambodia’s challenging past and the inseparability of its culture and history.
Furthering his commitment to preserving Cambodia’s history, Prime Minister Manet instructed the Royal Government Working Group to explore the establishment of a state institute dedicated to the legacy of the ECCC. This institute aims to document, manage, and operate as a research center. It will facilitate the sharing of knowledge about the grave crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge regime and the successes achieved through the ECCC trial process. The primer delineated six focal areas for the working group’s study, including the institute’s core roles, structure, operational modality, partnership opportunities, impact assessment, and budgetary needs.
The ECCC, created through an agreement between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the United Nations in June 2003, concludes its operations after 16 years, during which it produced an astonishing 233,836 court documents or nearly 2.4 million pages in three languages. Its mission was to prosecute the top leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime accountable for heinous crimes between 1975-1979.
Acknowledging a disconnect between generations regarding the recognition of the Khmer Rouge’s impact, Prime Minister Manet insists on the importance of preserving these firsthand documents. He argues that without these tangible records, future generations may struggle to grasp the severity of the era’s atrocities. This preservation effort not only aids in educating the youth but also in sharing Cambodia’s experience with hybrid courts internationally, thereby contributing to a broader understanding of peacekeeping and cultural preservation.
By rallying for the maintenance of the ECCC’s documentation and the establishment of research institutions, Prime Minister Hun Manet is steering Cambodia towards a future where its painful past serves as a foundation for peace, understanding, and resilience, ensuring that the lessons learned are not lost but form a bridge connecting past and future generations.
Source: Fresh News
