Peacebuilding, Memory and Reconciliation

Chapter 5

Justice, healing and reconciliation in Cambodia

Julian Poluda, Judith Strasser and Sotheara Chhim

The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) are the first internationalized tribunal that gives victims an active role in the courts’ trials. It is hoped that this active participation of victims increases the ownership and interest of Cambodians in the trial and thus plays a key role in ensuring its lasting impact on society. In contrast to the considerable attention the ECCC have received with regard to the judicial aspects of victims’ participation, relatively little focus has been directed toward its psychological impact, and the needs of survivors beyond retributive justice. This chapter seeks to partially address ...