Voices of legacy: amplifying minority survivors' perspectives in Cambodia's transitional justice and future atrocity prevention efforts

In 2022, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) concluded its judicial functions and entered a residual phase aimed at preserving its legacy. Over 15 years, the ECCC documented atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge, including genocide and persecution of minorities such as the Cham and ethnic Vietnamese, while charges related to Khmer Krom were never tried. Through mechanisms like civil party participation, minority survivors had a platform to share their experiences. However, questions remain about whether these lessons have been leveraged to foster inclusion and prevent future atrocities.

To address this, Women Peace Makers (WPM) initiated a scoping study to explore how the ECCC’s transitional justice process can inform long-term conflict transformation and atrocity prevention in Cambodia. The study focuses on linking the ECCC’s legacy to international frameworks, including atrocity prevention and the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and amplifying voices from minority communities—particularly Khmer Krom and ethnic Vietnamese—who face ongoing social exclusion and legal identity challenges. This report presents preliminary findings and aims to stimulate dialogue on strategies for embedding the ECCC’s lessons into sustainable peacebuilding and minority inclusion efforts.