The second meeting of the Royal Government’s Task Force on cooperation with the UN focused on the ECCC’s legacy. Key discussions included the establishment of an ECCC Legacy Institution to preserve archives, enhance education on genocide prevention, and commemorate the National Day of Remembrance. H.E. VONGSEY Vissoth emphasized the importance of collaboration among ministries to maintain peace and prevent future atrocities.
On March 12, 2025, at the Council of Ministers Friendship Building, H.E. VONGSEY Vissoth, the Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in Charge of the Council of Ministers, led the second meeting of the Royal Government’s Task Force on cooperation with the United Nations and Development Partners for the Implementation of the ECCC Residual Functions. This meeting included participation from H.E. KEO Remy, Senior Minister and Chairman of the Cambodian Human Rights Commission, along with representatives from 14 relevant ministries and institutions.
H.E. Deputy Prime Minister VONGSEY Vissoth expressed profound gratitude to Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, the former Prime Minister, for his visionary leadership in establishing the ECCC as a hybrid court that allowed victim participation in proceedings. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the Court’s historical significance in advancing national reconciliation and achieving peace in line with the Paris Peace Accords and the win-win policy.
H.E. Deputy Prime Minister commended the ECCC’s accomplishments during its 16-year court proceedings (2006-2022) and in the implementation of the ECCC’s residual functions for 2023-2024. He noted that the Court preserved a vital legacy by educating the public on historical truths to foster understanding and memory, thereby preventing future atrocities and genocide in Cambodia.
The meeting further discussed and agreed on establishing a Draft Concept Paper for an ECCC Legacy Institution. This institution will focus on managing and preserving ECCC archives, creating a museum dedicated to the accountability process, promoting educational initiatives, enhancing outreach, and forming partnerships with national and international institutions regarding peace education and genocide prevention.
H.E. Permanent Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the future ECCC legacy institution will be a national body, fostering collaboration with both national and international organizations. Its mission will involve promoting the ECCC’s legacy, supporting victims of the Khmer Rouge regime, and encouraging a culture of peace and universal justice, which are fundamental values for contemporary Cambodia.
The meeting concluded with plans to celebrate the National Day of Remembrance on May 20, 2025, aiming for a meaningful observance that emphasizes the achievements and legacy of the ECCC. H.E. Deputy Prime Minister VONGSEY Vissoth urged all relevant ministries and institutions to enhance their cooperation actively to prevent the reoccurrence of genocide and uphold sustainable peace and development in Cambodia.
The second meeting of the Royal Government’s Task Force on ECCC Residual Functions highlighted significant achievements in promoting peace and national reconciliation in Cambodia. The establishment of a legacy institution aims to preserve the ECCC’s historical contributions and educate future generations to prevent atrocities. The collective commitment to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance reflects the ongoing dedication to ensuring the legacy of the ECCC remains prominent in Cambodian society.
Original Source: www.phnompenhpost.com
