PM: Inscription of “Cambodian Memorial Sites” Symbolises National Reconciliation, Justice, and Peace

PM: Inscription of “Cambodian Memorial Sites” Symbolises National Reconciliation, Justice, and Peace

AKP | Phnom Penh, July 11, 2025 –Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has hailed the inscription of “Cambodian Memorial Sites: From Centres of Repression to Places of Peace and Reflection” on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a meaningful gift from Cambodia to the world—a powerful symbol of remembrance, national reconciliation, justice, education, and peace building and protection.

The Premier made the remarks this evening following the official announcement during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, France, where the nomination was adopted under Decision 47 COM 8B.14.

“These sites offer humanity an example of how a nation can rise from tragedy—not by forgetting, but by remembering and transforming those memories into a force for peace,” said Samdech Thipadei.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the inscription not only honors the physical sites but also recognises Cambodia’s painful history, marked by the loss of millions of innocents lives under the Khmer Rouge regime. He described the sites as a solemn reminder of the consequences of hatred, violence, and the erosion of human dignity.

The inscription recognises key sites associated with the Khmer Rouge regime, including the Former M-13 Prison, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre.

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.

According to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, this is Cambodia’s first nomination of a modern, non-classical archaeological site and also one of the first globally to focus on memorials of recent conflict.

The Prime Minister reiterated that these sites, while rooted in a tragic past, now serve as places for reflection, learning, and healing, offering future generations a chance to understand the importance of peace and the dangers of intolerance and violence.

Cambodia now has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Angkor Archaeological Park, Preah Vihear Temple, Sambo Prei Kuk Temple Complex, Koh Ker Archaeological Site, and the newly inscribed Cambodian Memorial Sites.

By C. Nika