Cambodia has established its monument in memory of peace from crime at three sites of historical significance under a recent royal decree.
In the decree issued on February 25, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni ordered the establishment of three sites where genocide crimes occurred in the country, namely the former M-13 prison in Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Speu provinces, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Choeung Ek Genocide Centre in Phnom Penh.
The memorials' establishment aims to protect and preserve historical evidence to serve as a lesson for future generations, prevent genocide and crimes against humanity, and safeguard Cambodia’s environment and cultural heritage. It also aims to promote awareness, research, and education to foster reconciliation and peace.
The decision to establish the sites was announced around the same time as the enactment of a law criminalising the denial of crimes committed under the Democratic Kampuchea regime. Under the new law, individuals who refuse to acknowledge the atrocities of the Pol Pot-led genocide could face prison sentences ranging from one to five years.
Its enactment comes as Cambodia continues to confront its painful past under Pol Pot, a regime that claimed the lives of millions of Cambodians between 1975 and 1979./.
