A TRAGEDY CONTINUED

A TRAGEDY CONTINUED

by Norman H. Pentelovitch




With Dr. Helen Jarvis’ appointment as the head of the Victims’ Unit, the
ECCC has reached a new and baffling low point in what has already been a
process marred by alleged corruption and incompetency.

Dr. Jarvis formerly managed the Public Affairs Section, a unit with the
responsibility to “inform Cambodians throughout the country about the work
of the Court generally . . . [and] to facilitate their understanding and
involvement . . . .”. Unfortunately, under her leadership the Public
Affairs Section devoted a vast majority of its outreach resources to
ill-advised efforts that did not reach a significant number of Cambodians,
including printing expensive t-shirts and caps, desk calendars, and posters
that were heavily criticized for their confusing messages. These activities
were a waste of limited resources, and, as has been repeatedly pointed out,
have done little to accomplish the stated goals of the Public Affairs
Section.

The Victims’ Unit is a unique innovation in international criminal law that
informs survivors about and facilitates their participation in Court
proceedings. Most importantly, its work is believed by many to be the best
vehicle for ensuring the people of Cambodia feel that justice is being done
for and by Cambodians, not by a disconnected international body for the
“greater good” of international law. Such a compelling mandate requires an
equally compelling leader, a Cambodian with experience working with victims,
and with an ability to prioritize resources and goals appropriately. Dr.
Jarvis does not have the relevant professional experience and has not
demonstrated the necessary qualities in her role as head of the Public
Affairs Section to lead the Victims’ Unit.

When the dust settles on the proceedings before the ECCC, the measure of its
success or failure in the eyes of Cambodian survivors may well rest on the
efficiency, organization, and compassion of the Victims’ Unit. If it is run
with the same lack of energy, insight and care with regard to actually
reaching Cambodians that has thus far characterized the work of the Public
Affairs Section, however successful the prosecutions may be the ECCC will
fail to realize its full potential. The voices of Khmer Rouge victims have
been stifled for so long, to allow them to fade now only deepens the
tragedy.


Independently Searching for the Truth since 1997.
MEMORY & JUSTICE

Youk Chhang, Director
Documentation Center of Cambodia
P.O. Box 1110
66 Sihanouk Blvd.,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
t: +855 23 211 875
f: +855 23 210 358
h: +855 12 905 595
e: dccam@online.com.kh
www.dccam.org

Observing the ECCC. Daily Report; please visit: www.cambodiatribunal.org

Transform the River of Blood into a River of Reconciliation. A River of Responsibility.
Break the Silence.