Categorized | Uncategorized

GA5 Seeks Cambodian Justice

By Sydney Liu, Shanghai American School Pudong

One of the most striking issues addressed in GA5 was the financing of the international residual mechanism for the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). The resolution, submitted by the delegate of Micronesia, addressed the lack of results from the ECCC and their inability to successfully carry out the functions of the international residual mechanism which is responsible for the trial of fugitives, trial of contempt cases, and protection of witnesses. Originally established to prosecute the senior officials in the Khmer Rouge regime for the 1.7 million deaths resulting from starvation, torture, execution, and forced labor, the ECCC has spent $208 million on a single seven-year case. The courts have not fulfilled their obligations though it continues to pledge to do so under agreement with the UN. In the most recent cases, cases 003 and 004, the credence of the ECCC plummeted. During these cases, witnesses were rejected for their questionable credibility. Judges have also resigned, leaving an impression that the judges were unwilling to incriminate alleged criminals.

Micronesia’s resolution asked for increased transparency and evaluation of the ECCC to ensure renewed dedication and effectiveness. First calling for more focus from the UN to monitor the Royal Government of Cambodia and allowing for proper financing of the Cambodian courts, the resolution discusses all sides of the issue to ensure that the ECCC is fully functioning and competent. Through the resolution, Micronesia argued passionately to serve Cambodia in helping them establish a process for fair, quality trials. Desiring to regain trust from the major donors while resolving the controversial cases 003 and 004, the resolution implements more watchful eyes to account for allocating funds and maintaining transparency.

Delegates challenged the mechanisms used to achieve the goals in the resolution. They speculated if full transparency could ever occur and whether the bi-annual meetings would be effective in aiding this transparency. In addition, funding from major donors was a key issue and delegations had heated debates over the effectiveness and promises of funding for the ECCC. The GA5 Chair, Stephanie Tang, said the resolution sparked great conversation, especially about the crucial issue of cases 003 and 004. The debate ran smoothly particularly with the interesting and well-versed proposals for solutions. Delegates were professional with their speeches and enthusiastic with many points of information.

 GA5 is filled with excellent MUNers and their first day of debate has been spectacular. Their future resolutions are bound to astound as well. Keep a close eye on this assembly!

The Delegate of Micronesia perfecting her resolution.

The Delegate of Micronesia perfecting her resolution.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Calendar

March 2024
M T W T F S S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

Additional Links:

www.bestdelegate.com