AKP Phnom Penh, July 13, 2026 --

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has hailed the first anniversary of the inscription of “Cambodian Memorial Sites: From Centres of Repression to Places of Peace and Reflection” on the UNESCO World Heritage List, describing it as a lasting symbol of Cambodia’s journey from tragedy to reconciliation and a legacy of peace for future generations.

In a message released on Monday to commemorate the anniversary, Samdech Thipadei extended his congratulations to the Cambodian people on the historic recognition, which was granted by UNESCO on July 11, 2025, during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, France.

The Prime Minister said the inscription of the three memorial sites – the former M-13 prison, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre – was a far-sighted initiative of Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen aimed at preserving the memory of Cambodia’s tragic past while promoting reconciliation, historical education, justice for victims, and the protection of peace.

He stressed that the memorial sites serve not only as an invaluable legacy for future generations of Cambodians but also as Cambodia’s contribution to humanity by demonstrating how a nation can transform places of atrocity into centres of reconciliation and peace.

Samdech Thipadei described the UNESCO inscription as another major milestone enhancing Cambodia’s international prestige, attributing the achievement to the resilience and sacrifices of the Cambodian people and to the peace established under the Win-Win Policy, which laid the foundation for national unity, socio-economic development, cultural preservation, and the protection of the country's historical truth.

The Prime Minister expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the inter-ministerial committee, local authorities, technical officials, and all institutions involved for their dedication in securing the World Heritage inscription. He also thanked UNESCO Phnom Penh, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, ICOMOS, ICCROM, KOICA, GIZ-CPS, national and international experts, and survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime for their invaluable support throughout the nomination process.

He instructed the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, local authorities, and relevant institutions to continue protecting the memorial sites, prevent inappropriate construction that could affect their historical landscape, and ensure their long-term conservation in accordance with UNESCO World Heritage operational guidelines.

Samdech Thipadei also called on all media outlets to help widely promote the memorial sites during the first anniversary commemoration to reinforce public awareness of the need to reject war and genocide and to preserve peace for future generations under the slogan "Thanks, Peace."

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek are located in Phnom Penh while M-13 is situated in Kampong Chhnang province, bordering Kampong Speu province.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre

Former M-13 Prison

By C. Nika