Features

November 17, 2006

PUBLICATION: Comments on Draft Internal Rules for the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts Of Cambodia

The ICTJ has issued comments in response to the public release of the draft Internal Rules of procedure for Cambodia's Extraordinary Chambers (ECCC).

While the draft has positive features, the ICTJ's comments highlight concerns about issues of public accessibility, victim and witness protection, and the ECCC's power to award reparations.

The Cambodian and international judges of the ECCC will meet in plenary during the week of November 20th to consider comments and vote on the Internal Rules.

The ICTJ notes that if the ECCC is to make a meaningful contribution towards justice for the victims of the Khmer Rouge and a positive legacy of respect for the rule of law, it is essential that the proceedings are impartial, fair and able to withstand public scrutiny.

In commenting on the proposed draft Internal Rules, the ICTJ has drawn from its experience with hybrid tribunals in Sierra Leone and Timor-Leste, as well as from its recent monitoring of proceedings before the Iraqi High Tribunal.

Read the comments | Go to the ICTJ's Cambodia page