AKP Phnom Penh, March 07, 2025 --

ASEAN Secretary-General H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn has commended the achievements of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) in seeking justice for victims and post-conflict reconciliation and contributing to the maintenance of lasting peace.

The secretary-general made the praise during his visit to the ECCC Resource Centre in Phnom Penh on Mar. 7 to gain insight into the implementation of ECCC’s residual functions, its achievements in delivering justice for victims, promoting post-conflict reconciliation, and contributing to the preservation of lasting peace.

H.E. Kranh Tony, Secretary of State of the Council of Ministers and Acting Director of the Administration, and ECCC senior management welcomed the ASEAN Secretariat delegation. 

According to an ECCC’s press release, during the meeting, the two delegations, discussed national and regional efforts in disseminating information and sharing Cambodia’s experience in contributing to peacebuilding, reconciliation and post-conflict development within ASEAN.

ECCC Director H.E. Kranh Tony highlighted the significance of Cambodia's transitional justice journey, stating, “Cambodia’s experiences in addressing past conflicts offer crucial lessons for the region. They contribute not only to healing but also to building a stronger, more united ASEAN for future generations.”
Following the discussions, the ASEAN delegation was invited to visit the ECCC Multi-Function Hall, library, and archives, where the Centre preserves and disseminates its legacy to the public.

H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn expressed his admiration for the ECCC’s work and achievements. He stated that the ECCC’s adjudication process has left an invaluable legacy, playing a crucial role in maintaining peace, national unity, and justice at both national and international levels.

“It is an honour for me to visit the Resource Centre of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) in Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia, on Mar. 7 2025. The ECCC stands as a testament to justice, accountability and the pursuit of truth and national reconciliation, which are all principles that resonate with ASEAN’s commitment to peace, human rights and the rules of laws. May its legacy continue to inspire future generations in fostering reconciliation and justice across our ASEAN region,” he said.  

During the visit, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn also met with Mr. Jo Scheuer, the UN Resident Coordinator to Cambodia, and exchanged views on the transformative value of Cambodia’s transitional justice experiences.

The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) was established through an agreement between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the United Nations. With support from the international community, the ECCC investigated crimes committed between April 17, 1975, and Jan. 6, 1979, helping the Cambodian people seek justice, national reconciliation, and peace. The trials took place from 2006 to 2022. Since January 2023, the ECCC has been carrying out its residual functions for an initial period of three years, as outlined in an addendum agreement between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the United Nations. These residual functions include managing, maintaining, and preserving its archives, reclassifying case files, and disseminating information to the public about the ECCC’s legacy.

AKP