Cambodian Civil Society and the Khmer Rouge Tribunal

Abstract

The creation of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), often referred to as the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, has given new impetus to Cambodia's transitional justice process. The case of Cambodia illustrates how relatively strong and proactive local civil society organizations can support and complement the work of an internationalized criminal court. Working primarily at the intersection of the Court and Cambodian society, these actors have assumed various roles in support of the ECCC process, some of which normally fall under the responsibility of a court. This Notes piece explores the main roles Cambodian civil society actors have played at the ECCC and offers some preliminary observations following the completion of the Court's first trial.