Thousands of people from all walks of life gathered on Friday afternoon at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh to officially celebrate the inscription of “Cambodian Memorial Sites: From Centres of Repression to Places of Peace and Reflection” on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The event was held under the presidency of Prime Minister Hun Manet and his spouse, Pich Chanmony.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister said this achievement reflects Cambodia’s commitment to remembrance, justice, national unity, and lasting peace. He emphasised that Cambodia’s journey—from a nation scarred by genocide and war to one marked by peace and development—serves as a powerful example for the world.
The celebration follows the inscription of three key sites associated with the Khmer Rouge regime on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee held last week in Paris, France. These include the Former M-13 Prison (on the border of Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Speu provinces), the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (Phnom Penh), and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre (Phnom Penh).
“These sites represent a painful chapter in Cambodian history,” said Mr. Chhay Panha, a Phnom Penh resident. “But we must let the world know. These are lessons we need to share so that such brutal acts never happen again in the history of humankind.”
“Personally, I am proud to be part of this celebration and to share what I’ve learned about our past to help contribute to peace and development,” he added.
Tep Soputhea, a young student, echoed this sentiment. “The world should learn about the Khmer Rouge. These three sites bear witness to the regime’s atrocities. We must remember that genocide and the killing of innocent people must never be repeated in any society.”
“This is a painful story,” he continued, “but it should serve as a mirror to reflect on the importance of peace and development.”
This historic inscription marks a new moment of national pride for Cambodia, following the successful World Heritage listings of iconic temple complexes such as Angkor (1992), Preah Vihear (2008), Sambor Prei Kuk (2017), and Koh Ker (2023).
The Cambodian Memorial Sites represent Cambodia’s first modern, non-classical archaeological heritage to be designated as a World Heritage site. They are also among the first Sites of Memory Associated with Recent Conflicts to be inscribed regionally and globally.
Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts said this recognition is a testament to the resilience and deep commitment of the Cambodian people, especially the tireless efforts of Hun Sen, and the continued leadership of Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, both of whom have made the safeguarding of Cambodia’s historical legacy a national priority. AKP
