Timor-Leste Learns Peacebuilding from Khmer Rouge Tribunal
A delegation from Timor-Leste, a country which suffered from conflict during its fight for independence, has taken part in training on reconciliation and peacebuilding through the former Khmer Rouge tribunal. Photo: ECCC
- By Meng Seavmey
- February 23, 2024 4:15 PM
PHNOM PENH – A delegation from Timor-Leste, a country which suffered from conflict during its fight for independence, has taken part in training on reconciliation and peacebuilding through the former Khmer Rouge tribunal.
The sessions, with 22 participants, were co-hosted with UNESCO Phnom Penh and Jakarta at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) Resource Centre on Feb. 21.
The training aimed to support Timor-Leste’s efforts in conflict reconciliation and peacebuilding by considering history and peace education, according to the ECCC.
Timor-Leste officials from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, the Chega National Center and other government institutions took part.
ECCC acting director of administration Tony Kranh said Timor-Leste and Cambodia have worked hard to rebuild societies after conflicts, so acquiring these lessons from the ECCC could be mutually beneficial.
“Moreover, our collaboration has the potential to enhance the quality of education in both countries and may contribute further to reconciliation and peacebuilding in our region,” he said.
The tribunal process put an end to the of trials of Khmer Rouge leaders who contributed to the genocide from 1975 to 1979, when more than two million people died.
The agenda of the sessions included the experiences and trial process, which Timor-Leste can take into consideration to resolve the situation in their country.
The “accountability process and a residual function” was presented by Thaung Socheat, the ECCC’s senior management officer, while Hong Vannak, chief of the Victims Support Section showed a reparation, reconciliation and peace program.
The Timor-Leste delegation also learned about the work of the Legal Documentation Centre relating to ECCC.
Everyone is welcomed to learn about the Khmer Rouge Tribunal
The ECCC, a hybrid court established in accordance with Cambodian law in 2006, has sentenced senior leaders of the Khmer Rouge and those who were most responsible for the crimes during its reign.
National and international scholars or delegations are welcomed to acquire transcripts of the judicial proceedings against nine Khmer Rouge leaders.
Costing around $337 million over 16 years, the ECCC announced its final case in Sept. 2022, which was against Khieu Samphan, the former head of state.
The nine leaders tried during those 16 years were: Kiang Guek Eav known as Duch (dead), Meas Mut, Yim Tith, Im Chaem, Ao An (dead), Nuon Chea (dead), Kieu Samphan, Ieng Sary (dead), and Ieng Thirith (dead).
In Sept. 2023, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia launched an information resource centre in 7 Makara district.
The space has a library and research hub, website, digital and hard copy archive in line with international standards, multi-purpose venue for organizing workshops and moot courts, consultation and exhibition venue, and a remembrance and reflection space.
