The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), in partnership with the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, organised a one day educational workshop in Phnom Penh on Friday to strengthen the knowledge of 45 Cambodian tour guides on the Khmer Rouge regime, transitional justice, and the enduring legacy of the ECCC. The programme brought together cultural professionals and officials with a shared goal of promoting historically accurate and evidence based interpretation for visitors from Cambodia and around the world.
Held at both the ECCC Resource Centre and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the workshop reflects Cambodia’s continued commitment to preserving historical truth while supporting responsible heritage tourism. Backed by the German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit through its Civil Peace Service programme, the initiative aims to ensure that the stories of one of the country’s darkest chapters are communicated with integrity, sensitivity, and respect for victims.
Synopsis:
The ECCC and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum trained 45 Cambodian tour guides in Phnom Penh to deepen their understanding of Khmer Rouge history, transitional justice, and the court’s legacy. The workshop focused on evidence based interpretation, ethical storytelling, and preserving historical truth for future generations and international visitors.
Strengthening the Role of Tour Guides in Historical Education
Tour guides serve as one of Cambodia’s most important links between the nation’s history and millions of visitors who seek to understand its cultural and historical identity. Recognising this responsibility, the ECCC designed the workshop to improve participants’ ability to present complex historical events with accuracy while encouraging thoughtful dialogue about justice, reconciliation, and remembrance.
The training, titled “Transitional Justice: The Legacy of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia and Cambodia’s Memorial Sites,” combined classroom learning with practical experiences at key memorial locations. Participants explored methods for delivering factual narratives that honour survivors while avoiding misinformation or historical distortion.
ECCC Highlights the Importance of Evidence Based Interpretation
During the opening ceremony, ECCC Administration Acting Director Hem Kranh Tony emphasised the significance of preserving historical knowledge through credible and evidence based communication. He noted that tour guides play a vital role in ensuring both domestic and international visitors receive an accurate understanding of the crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge era and the judicial process that followed.
He stressed that responsible interpretation is essential for protecting historical truth, honouring victims, and safeguarding future generations from the dangers of denial or misrepresentation. By grounding every narrative in documented facts, Cambodia continues to reinforce the educational legacy of the ECCC beyond its courtroom proceedings.
Memorial Sites Become Living Classrooms for Peace Education
Representing Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona, Secretary of State Prak Sonnara described the workshop as an important platform for advancing peace education and global citizenship. He said the programme encouraged meaningful exchanges of ideas and professional experiences while strengthening ethical approaches to interpreting Cambodia’s difficult past within its broader social and cultural context.
Rather than focusing solely on historical events, the workshop highlighted the educational value of national memorial sites as places where remembrance, justice, and learning intersect. These sites continue to serve as powerful spaces for reflection, helping visitors better understand the consequences of conflict and the importance of protecting human dignity.
Participants Explore the Legacy of Justice Beyond the Courtroom
Throughout the programme, participants examined the historical context and lasting impact of the Khmer Rouge regime alongside the ECCC’s legal mandate, landmark cases, victim participation, reparations framework, and the implementation of the court’s residual functions. The discussions provided a comprehensive understanding of how transitional justice contributes to national healing and historical accountability.
The workshop also included interactive group activities at the Hall of Justice Permanent Exhibition, followed by guided visits to the Remembrance Park, Archives Repository, Library, and the ECCC Mobile Resource Centre. These hands on experiences enabled tour guides to connect historical evidence with meaningful storytelling techniques that can enrich educational tourism across Cambodia.
Why This Workshop Matters for Cambodia’s Tourism and Cultural Heritage?
As Cambodia welcomes growing numbers of international visitors interested in its history and heritage, the quality of historical interpretation becomes increasingly important. Well trained tour guides help build trust, deepen visitor understanding, and reinforce Cambodia’s reputation as a destination committed to preserving authentic historical narratives.
The collaboration between the ECCC, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and international development partners demonstrates how justice, education, and tourism can work together to promote informed public awareness while ensuring that the legacy of the Khmer Rouge period remains accurately documented for generations to come.
Conclusion
The ECCC’s latest workshop represents more than professional training for tour guides. It is an investment in Cambodia’s historical integrity, cultural education, and responsible tourism. By equipping guides with deeper knowledge of transitional justice and evidence based interpretation, Cambodia strengthens its ability to preserve the truth of its past while inspiring meaningful reflection among future generations and visitors from around the world.