Note to Correspondents

United Nations, Rutgers University and Documentation Center of Cambodia Discuss

Justice for Victims of Khmer Rouge, 11 October

 

The United Nations Department of Public Information will partner with Rutgers University Center for the Study of Genocide, Conflict Resolution, and Human Rights and the Documentation Center of Cambodia to examine the issues that led to mass murder during the Pol Pot regime in Cambodia and to highlight the current efforts towards reconciliation in the country.  Held in partnership with The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme, the round-table discussion and screening of an award-winning short documentary will take place on Thursday, 11 October, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Engelhard Hall, Room 100, at Rutgers University-Newark.  Open to the public, guests must register online at http://bit.ly/SRIBm2.

From 1975 to 1979, Cambodia was ruled by communist ideologist Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot, whose reign of terror resulted in the deaths of almost two million Cambodians, one-quarter of the population.  The emotional trial of the only Khmer Rouge official to be prosecuted for his crimes to date — Kaing Guek Eav (Duch), head of the infamous Tuol Sleng (S-21) prison — is the subject of the Emmy-nominated United Nations documentary, Cambodia: A Quest for Justice, which will open the event.

The panel will also explore the role of the United Nations in Cambodia and the impact of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia — the first tribunal ever held in the country where the atrocities where committed.  In addition, the efforts of the Documentation Center of Cambodia to preserve memory and seek justice will be discussed.  Participants will gain insight into common characteristics of the tragedy in Cambodia and other genocides, including the Holocaust.

Kimberly Mann, Manager of the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme, will open the event.  Professor Alex Hinton, Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Genocide, Conflict Resolution, and Human Rights will moderate the discussion.  Speakers include Andi Gitow, Co-producer of the film; Benny Widyono, Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Cambodia (1994-1997); Stephen Mathias, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs; and Samphoas Huy, Representative of the Documentation Center of Cambodia at Rutgers University-Newark.

About Rutgers University Center for the Study of Genocide, Conflict Resolution and Human Rights

The Center for the Study of Genocide, Conflict Resolution, and Human Rights (CGHR) seeks to enhance understanding of and find solutions to the most pressing twenty-first century challenges.  To this end, the Center promotes cutting-edge research and scholarship on related issues such as genocide, conflict resolution, environmental change, sustainable development, transitional justice, and human rights abuses.  Please visit http://www.ncas.rutgers.edu/cghr.

About the Documentation Center of Cambodia

Established in 1995, the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam) is an independent Cambodian research institute whose purpose is to heal the wounds of the past by documenting, researching and sharing the history of the Khmer Rouge period through outreach activities.  DC-Cam has worked with CGHR to establish at Rutgers-Newark’s Dana Library a major archive of documentation, photographs, films and DC-Cam publications related to these events. DC-Cam and CGHR have also worked together to establish internships and sponsors student exchanges, exhibitions and lectures. Please visit http://dccam.org/.

About The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme

The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme was established by General Assembly resolution 60/7 in 2006 to further education about remembrance of the Holocaust to help prevent future acts of genocide.  Its multifaceted programme includes online and print educational products, seminars, exhibitions, a film series and the annual worldwide observance of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust each 27 January.  Please visit http://www.un.org/en/holocaustremembrance.

About the United Nations News and Media Division — UN Television (UNTV)

UN Television, part of the United Nations News and Media Division, produces TV feature segments and documentaries for broadcast globally.  UNTV’s multi award-winning films highlight some of the world’s most important issues and compelling stories. The films are aired on major broadcast outlets, including BBC, PBS and CNN, and in numerous international film festivals.  http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/21stcentury.

Media Contacts

Kimberly Mann, Manager, the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme:  +1 212 963 6835 or mann@un.org.

Alex Hinton, Executive Director, Rutgers University Center for the Study of Genocide, Conflict Resolution, and Human Rights:  +1 973 353 1260 or cghr@andromeda.rutgers.edu.

Andi Gitow, Senior TV Producer, United Nations News and Media Division:  +1 917 367 3012 or gitow@un.org.

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For information media • not an official record