The visit of the United Nations Legal Counsel, Mr. Miguel de Serpa Soares, to Phnom Penh from July 15 to 17, 2024, focused on significant developments related to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). His visit aimed to prepare for the final stage of the ECCC’s existence and its transition into a legacy institution. Key aspects of this visit included:

1. Finalizing the ECCC’s Transition:

   • The ECCC, established to prosecute crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge regime, is nearing the end of its operations. The transition to a legacy institution will ensure that the work and achievements of the ECCC are preserved for future generations.

2. Meetings with Key Stakeholders:

   • Meetings with Cambodian partners in the ECCC administration, the Cambodian Government, and the “Group of Friends of the ECCC” (principal donors and government representatives) were held to coordinate this transition.
   • Significant discussions took place with Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Hun Manet and Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Vongsey Vissoth, emphasizing the Cambodian Government’s role and commitment to the legacy institution.

3. Ceremonial and Institutional Developments:

   • The Legal Counsel participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new legacy institution, highlighting the symbolic and practical steps towards its establishment.
   • The visit included a tour of the newly established ECCC resource center, which will play a crucial role in preserving and providing access to ECCC archives.

Benefits for Cambodia

1. Preservation of Historical Records:

   • The transition to a legacy institution ensures that the ECCC’s extensive archives, which document the trials and the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge era, are preserved. This is crucial for historical research, education, and ensuring that the memory of these events is maintained.

2. Continued Access to Justice and Education:

   • By maintaining access to the ECCC archives, future generations of Cambodians and international researchers can study and learn from the documented evidence. This supports ongoing education about the Khmer Rouge regime and contributes to preventing similar atrocities in the future.

3. Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks:

   • The establishment of the legacy institution demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to upholding international legal standards and human rights. It can serve as a model for other countries dealing with similar historical injustices.

4. Enhancing Cambodia’s International Reputation:

   • Active participation and cooperation with the United Nations and international donors in the ECCC’s legacy transition enhance Cambodia’s standing in the global community. It shows the country’s dedication to justice, transparency, and reconciliation.

5. Economic and Developmental Support:

   • Continued engagement with international donors and the “Group of Friends of the ECCC” can bring in financial and technical support, aiding Cambodia’s broader development goals. This collaboration can also open avenues for future partnerships in various sectors.

6. Promotion of National Reconciliation:

   • Preserving the ECCC’s work and ensuring public access to its findings can help in national healing and reconciliation efforts. It allows survivors and the broader public to see that justice has been pursued and achieved, fostering a sense of closure and peace.

In summary, the visit of the UN Legal Counsel and the efforts to transition the ECCC into a legacy institution hold profound significance for Cambodia. They ensure that the historical records of the Khmer Rouge era are preserved, support ongoing justice and education initiatives, strengthen Cambodia’s legal frameworks, enhance its international reputation, and contribute to national reconciliation and development.