The Governor-General of New Zealand, Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, announced today a new pledge of NZ$ 200,000 to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia while visiting the Court to show his country’s support. The pledge was made for the national side of the Court.
The Governor-General led a 14-member delegation to the Court during his state visit to Cambodia. This was the first time a leader at the Head of State level had visited the ECCC.
Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, who is also Chairman of the Royal Government Task Force for the Khmer Rouge Trials, and Acting Director Tony Kranh welcomed the Governor-General and discussed the progress the Court has made and the challenges it faces to accomplish its mandate.
“We recognise that the people of Cambodia have looked to the Tribunal to assist in the process of national reconciliation, and New Zealand will continue to help the Tribunal to complete its work prosecuting the senior leaders of the Khmer Rouge,” said the Governor-General during the meeting. He then announced that New Zealand would contribute NZ$ 200,000 to the national side of the Court, which has been facing financial challenges to raise the necessary funds.
“We are grateful to hear New Zealand’s additional contribution to support the ECCC to complete the cases before the Court,” said Mr. Sok An during the meeting on behalf of the Royal Government. “The announcement came at a critical moment when the Trial Chamber is preparing to hear final submissions in Case 002/01 before a judgment. The pledge signals a renewed commitment of donors to support the Court to bring justice to Cambodians.”
During the visit, the Governor-General and his delegation also met with Trial Chamber President Nil Nonn and Judge Silvia Cartwright from New Zealand to gain insights into the working of the Court and toured the main courtroom together.
New Zealand has supported the ECCC since its inception and has donated NZ$ 1.2 million to date. The last contribution was made when Prime Minister John Key visited the Court last November. The latest pledge will bring the total contribution to NZ$ 1.4 million.