Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to preserving peace, national reconciliation, and historical memory on the occasion of the 9th National Day of Remembrance observed on May 20.
In a message issued ahead of the commemoration, the Prime Minister said the National Day of Remembrance was established to honour victims of the Khmer Rouge regime and to remember the suffering caused by crimes committed during Democratic Kampuchea between Apr. 17, 1975 and Jan. 6, 1979.
He stressed that the observance aims to pay tribute to victims, restore the dignity and honour of survivors and those who lost their lives, support healing for victims and their families, promote national reconciliation and social harmony, and raise public awareness to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
Samdech Thipadei recalled that May 20 was first designated as the “Day of Hatred” in 1983 before later evolving into the “Day of Remembrance,” and was officially recognised as the “National Day of Remembrance” through a 2018 sub-decree.
The Prime Minister noted that the date also marks the establishment of collectivisation policies by the Khmer Rouge in 1973 and serves as a reminder of the crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide committed under the Democratic Kampuchea regime, which resulted in the deaths of more than three million Cambodians.
He highlighted that over the past three decades, Cambodia has transformed from a war-torn nation into a peaceful and developing country under the leadership of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, founder of the Win-Win Policy.
According to the message, Cambodia has achieved lasting peace, national unity, full sovereignty, and socio-economic progress while also becoming an example of post-conflict reconciliation and peacebuilding.
Samdech Thipadei further underlined the role of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) in delivering justice to victims of the Khmer Rouge regime and contributing to national reconciliation through the successful prosecution of former Khmer Rouge leaders.
He added that following the completion of trials, the ECCC has continued its legacy through the ECCC Resource Centre, which serves as a platform for remembrance, education, research, and peace promotion aimed at preventing future atrocities.
The Resource Centre includes archives, a research library, exhibition halls, consultation spaces for survivors, and a memorial park dedicated to victims of the Khmer Rouge regime.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Royal Government’s commitment to preserving the historical archives and legacy of the ECCC for future generations, researchers, and the international community as part of Cambodia’s long-term efforts to strengthen peace and share its experiences in post-conflict reconciliation and transitional justice.
