Celebrating the 1st Anniversary of the Inscription of “Memory Sites of Cambodia: From Places of Crime to Centres of Reconciliation and Peace” on the World Heritage List, Comprising: the Former M-13 Prison, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), and Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre
On the morning of Saturday, the 12th day of the waning moon of the 1st Ashadha month, Year of the Horse, Atthasak, B.E. 2570, corresponding to July 11, 2026, Her Excellency Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, along with Mr. Flavio Bonetti, Head of the UNESCO Phnom Penh Office, highly presided over the ceremony celebrating the 1st Anniversary of the inscription of the “Memory Sites of Cambodia: From Places of Crime to Centres of Reconciliation and Peace” on the World Heritage List (July 11, 2025 – July 11, 2026). The event took place at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The ceremony was attended by leaders of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, inter-ministerial members, representatives from UNESCO, KOICA, the Phnom Penh Capital Administration, Kampong Speu Province, Kampong Chhnang Province, relevant local authorities, victims’ relatives, and students, totaling more than 100 participants.
During the ceremony, there was also an unveiling of the inscription stone and the inauguration of a temporary exhibition highlighting the achievements of the Memory Sites of Cambodia. This initiative aims to enhance education and raise awareness about the values of these memorial sites, ensuring the eternal endurance of the spirit of remembrance, the learning of historical lessons, and the vital necessity of collectively safeguarding peace—an invaluable treasure for the Cambodian people and all of humanity. Today’s event also serves as a respectful tribute to all the victims of Cambodia’s painful past and stands as a testament to the Royal Government of Cambodia’s absolute commitment to protecting the future of the younger generation under the slogan, “Thank You, Peace.”
On this deeply meaningful occasion, Her Excellency Dr. Phoeurng Sackona expressed her sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to the leadership and civil servants of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the inter-ministerial committee, local authorities, and the expert officials of the Tuol Sleng Museum and Choeung Ek Centre. Her Excellency also extended her thanks to the UNESCO Phnom Penh Office, KOICA, GIZ-CPS, national and international experts, and the survivors of the genocidal regime who supported the inscription process and the recognition of the universal value of these Cambodian memory sites. Their contributions serve the supreme benefit of all humanity, particularly in the realms of remembrance and the preservation of peace.
