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Cambodia

Ready to confront Khmer Rouge

06/11/2006: DanChurchAid’s partners in Cambodia behind pressure for a legal confrontation with the leadership of Khmer Rouge. Local partner DC-Cam (Documentation Center of Cambodia) has for years been active in the Khmer Rouge Trial and has collected 1.6 million stories from survivors to be presented at the trial.

Old photographs from the Toul Sleng Museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The Toul Sleng Museum: Old photographs and other items locked up as evidence for the upcoming tribunal against the former Khmer Rouge leaders. Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2006

It’s been 28 years since the Khmer Rouge lost power in Cambodia. However, only in recent years has the country put mechanisms in place to bring to justice the leadership who was responsible for the deaths of up to two million Cambodians.

Four local and three international judges have been appointed. A law court has been prepared and it looks likely that the so-called tribunal will meet at the start of 2007.

In the meantime, many of the accused former leaders have died, amongst them the top figure, Pol Pot, as well as the infamous general Ta Mok. Many of the other leaders are old and weak so it will only be a small group who ends up on trial.

The Khmer Rouge
The Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia from 1975-1979. In this period they attempted to introduce a Maoist-inspired peasant society. At least 1.7 million people are believed to have died during the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is finally set to proceed with a United Nations-prescribed tribunal against former Khmer Rouge leaders.

The Khmer Rouge

The Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia from 1975-1979. In this period they attempted to introduce a Maoist-inspired peasant society.

At least 1.7 million people are believed to have died during the Khmer Rouge regime.

Today, Cambodia is finally set to proceed with a United Nations-prescribed tribunal against former Khmer Rouge leaders.

Demand for a tribunal

DanChurchAid’s local partners have pushed for years for the establishment of a tribunal where those responsible for the genocide would go on trial. For example, DC-Cam ( Documentation Center of Cambodia ) has collected 1.6 testimonials from victims of the Khmer Rouge regime to use in the court case.

The Social Center for Development has held a number of hearings where victims and perpetrators meet.

“I believe it is necessary to talk about what happened. A healing process is a prerequisite for keeping the peace in Cambodia”, says President, Chea Vannath.

Justice

Oung Canthol, Executive Director of Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center, is happy that the court case is finally taking place.

“I am personally offended that none of the leadership of the Khmer Rouge have yet had to answer for their actions. On the contrary, many of those still alive are sitting in leadership positions today”, she says and adds, “I hope that the court case will ensure justice for the many victims and also lead to reconciliation between enemies”.

Photos from the Toul Sleng Museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The Toul Sleng Museum: Images from a dark time which hasn't completely disappeared. Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2006

Lack of information

However, she is far from satisfied with the actual process of the court case. “It is happening very slowly and people on the street have no access to information about the process. We need better information about this for the population”, states Oung Chanthol.

So far, the tribunal has received 56 million Danish kroner (USD 9,543,122) of which 3 millions (USD 511,238) are from Danida .

Based on a Danish article written by journalist Lisbeth Engbo ( libo@dca.dk ) published on www.noedhjaelp.dk , 01.11.2006. Translated and edited by Heidi Rasmussen.