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Tribunal Lacks Funding for Victims Reparations, Officials Say


Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, ECCC.
Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, ECCC.
The victims support unit of the UN-backed Khmer Rouge tribunal is urging international donors to continue funding the court, as it seeks to determine reparations for victims of the regime.

The court “lacks funding” for 13 separate reparation requests by victims, Hang Vannak, head of the Victim Support Section of the court, said in a statement Tuesday.

Among the reparation requests are memorials for those who perished under the regime and a psychological treatment center for the traumatized survivors. Victims have also requested a memorial day and a peace studies center.

The Trial Chamber is processing its verdict in the first of two phases of an atrocity crimes trial for aging Khmer Rouge leaders Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan. Both men are facing charges of atrocity crimes, including genocide, for the actions of Khmer Rouge cadre under their command.

As it considers the verdict, which is expected later this year, the court will also decide what reparations victims will receive.

Neth Pheaktra, a spokesman for the tribunal, said the victims unit has received pledges of some $600,000, but more is needed if the reparations request are “to be secured.”
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