Public Opinion Survey on the Disposition of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) Archives

This project is designed to systematically assess and compile the Cambodian people’s collective voice in determining the future disposition of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) archives. To date, the U.N. ambassador to the ECCC has voiced strong support for the transfer of the ECCC archives to Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam)’s custody; however, the Cambodian Government has not reached a final decision on the matter, and the ultimate disposition of the archives remains an open question. The disposition of the ECCC archives is an issue of enormous importance to not only the legacy of the ECCC but also the preservation of the historical record for generations to come. Numerous outside observers have expressed serious concern about the fate of ECCC records should they be transferred to the custody of a party susceptible to personal or political influence. In particular, given the fact that many former and current Cambodian officials are implicated in the ECCC’s closed records, this ECCC archive risks being altered, compromised or even destroyed if custody is transferred to a questionable authority.

DC-Cam strongly maintains that it is imperative to ensure the Cambodian people’s voice is reflected in any decision with such enormous implications. This survey project would entail the development and implementation of a public-opinion survey by an independent, third-party organization with no vested interest in the decision. DC Cam would work with such an independent organization to develop the survey, test it for validation, assist as needed in identifying mechanisms for making it widely available to the Cambodian people, and help to ensure that it is fairly administered and its results collected and collated by a reliable agent not subject to corruption.