PhnomPenhPost-May 20, 2024
The Genocide Convention, formally the “Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide”, is an instrument of international law that, for the first time ever, codified the crime of genocide. It firmly signifies the world’s commitment to “never again” — never again to allow such crimes as those committed during the Second World War. On 14 October 1950, Cambodia was among the first Southeast Asian countries to pledge its commitment to “never again”, taking upon itself the obligations to prevent and to punish the crime of genocide. Seventy-four years have passed since then, and within that time – from 1975 to 1979 – the people of Cambodia people endured one of the world’s most brutal regimes, the Khmer Rouge, and their countless vicious crimes. Cambodia’s horrific experience demonstrates the need for alertness and action to prevent genocide. Cambodia has a unique experience in the accountability mechanism that was created to address Khmer Rouge crimes, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Court of Cambodia (ECCC). The ECCC has also handed down important verdicts on crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions. We salute these efforts, especially those by victims and survivors, whose testimony and engagement with the court has been crucial to these achievements and to Cambodia moving forward. Many of these victims and survivors, as well as younger generations in Cambodia, are continuing the important work of education and awareness raising about the past – so that we can learn from it. They remain essential and must be acknowledged and supported. We will use this visit to meet with and listen to the experiences of the ECCC, in particular the voices of the victims. Read more at: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/opinion/the-genocide-convention-and-cambodia-lessons-from-the-past-prevention-for-the-future
