DC-CAM 2004 ANNUAL REPORT

Documentation Center of Cambodia

2004 Annual Report

2004 was an eventful year for the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam). On October 4 and 5, 2004, Cambodia’s new National Assembly ratified: 1) The Agreement between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia Concerning the Prosecution under Cambodian Law of Crimes Committed during the period of Democratic Kampuchea, and 2) The Law on Amendments to the Law on the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia for the Prosecution of Crimes Committed during the Period of Democratic Kampuchea.[*] On October 27, the head of state promulgated the Khmer Rouge Tribunal Law, which harmonizes the government’s agreement with the UN on establishing the tribunal. The Cambodian people have waited for over a quarter of a century to see the regime’s senior leaders held accountable for their actions and justice done. Thus, the impending tribunal has been a focus of our work this year, and will continue to inform our activities in 2005.

Below we summarize our main accomplishments during 2004 in each of our major work areas.

We have met our exceeded our goals for 2004 in all but four areas:

1. Documentation

Documenting the history of the Khmer Rouge is at the core of our operations: it is an important part of our center’s mandate and plays a major role in all our projects. DC-Cam has been active in collecting documents relevant to the history of the Democratic Kampuchea (DK) era for nearly a decade. To date, we have amassed well over 600,000 pages of documentation from the DK-era, petitions and interview transcripts taken from survivors of the regime, and a variety of other materials that could potentially serve as evidence at the tribunal.[†] DC-Cam by no means possesses a monopoly on documentation relevant to the crimes of Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK) leaders, but it is the largest repository of such materials.

1.1      Cataloguing and Database Management

The first aspect of our documentation work entails collecting and cataloguing documents and managing two major databases, the Cambodian Genocide Bibliographic Database (CBIB) and the Cambodian Genocide Biographical Database (CBIO). Set up in collaboration with Yale University and the University of New South Wales, these databases contain detailed information on former Khmer Rouge leaders and cadres. They provide an organized information resource about the DK regime and many of its victims. The databases also facilitate our program of family tracing, whereby survivors of the DK era can search for information on lost loved ones. Because these databases are Internet accessible and available on CD-Rom and microfilm, scholars, legal personnel for the tribunal (both the prosecution and defense) and the general public in Cambodia and abroad can access them.

Cataloguing and Keying. Since DC-Cam began operating in 1995, we have catalogued (entered information into worksheets in preparation for adding them to our databases) or keyed (entered information into the databases) nearly 83,000 documents, which are housed in six collections. We have completed work on three of these (I, J, and K, which house biographies and confessions).  This year, we worked on two of the remaining collections: 

• D Collection: General Khmer Rouge documents (e.g., notebooks, biographies, confessions, reports, execution logs) and the Anlong Veng (a KR stronghold until 1996) collection of post-KR materials (e.g., school textbooks, meeting minutes, reports).

• R Collection: Petitions to the Peoples Republic of Kampuchea (the government that held power from 1979 to 1993) to oust the Khmer Rouge from their seat at the United Nations, including accounts of horrific crimes and descriptions of mass burial pits and prisons.

Indexing. In 2003, we began to prepare a hard-copy index of biographical information on nearly 11,000 Khmer Rouge contained in our CBIO database. This index will contain information on each individual’s name, alias, gender, place of birth, rank/position, and record number. In 2004, we decided to add a record of each person’s status (alive, executed, disappeared) based on interviews our Accountability Project teams have conducted with the relatives or neighbors of former Khmer Rouge. In 2004, we made corrections to the 2,820-page Khmer version of the book and translated 250 pages.

Access Listing. In 2004, we began entering our documents in a user-friendly Microsoft Access list. This list provides basic bibliographical information in English and Khmer. In 2004, we listed 7,524 documents from our D collection.

Website. In 2004, we contracted with a local company to increase our storage space on the Internet, provide a range of ongoing technical services, and assist us in updating and expanding our website. A main goal of this effort was to post searchable databases on the Internet, thus enabling us to share more of our documentation work with scholars and interested members of the public. However, we canceled our contract with the company when it failed to perform, and are hiring our own IT staff to improve our website.

1.2      Microfilming

This project aims to preserve historical documents related to the Khmer Rouge. It gives researchers and legal investigators access to our archival information without handling original documents, many of which have become fragile with age. To date, we have microfilmed all of the documents in our I, J, K, and L collections, with only part of our D and R collections remaining. In 2004, we microfilmed over 34,000 pages from these latter two collections.

We have been cooperating with Yale University’s Sterling Library since 1998 on duplicating our microfilm records for security and academic purposes. We sent the negatives to the library to be developed; they kept the masters and returned a copy to us. However, by the end of the year, Yale had yet to process 77 of the 482 reels of film we sent to them, some of which were over a year late in being returned to DC-Cam. Because Yale had not fulfilled its latest contractual obligations to DC-Cam (the deadline for their completion of the microfilm was December 31, 2004), we decided to develop our microfilm in-house, using a developer/duplicator that was installed in December.  During two weeks in December, we developed 8 reels (5,799 pages). We store the microfilm in-house and at secure locations inside Cambodia.

1.3      Photo Exhibitions

Exhibitions in Cambodia. Two of the photo exhibitions we installed during 2003 at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (one on former Khmer Rouge cadres during DK and today, and the other on the regime’s top leaders) continue to be displayed and receive favorable comments from Cambodian and international visitors alike.

In 2004, we mounted a new forensic exhibition at Tuol Sleng. It contains photographs of 10 skulls excavated from Choeung Ek (the “killing fields” south of Phnom Penh where Tuol Sleng prisoners were executed) and other parts of Cambodia, accompanied by text explaining the type of trauma to each skull. This exhibit seeks to demonstrate the value of forensic evidence in documenting the Khmer Rouge’s crimes against humanity. It is also intended to educate the public about the types of information that can be scientifically gathered from victims’ remains in order to prove and record evidence of murder/genocide. (Because some Cambodians are uncomfortable with the idea of boxing human remains, we house the skulls in a separate room at Tuol Sleng, which is open only to officials.)

In response to recent articles (e.g., “Cambodia-Khmer Rouge Museum: Upset Over Renovations at Cambodia’s Infamous Khmer Rouge Torture Prison,” AFP, November 11, 2004), DC-Cam received letters from Democratic Kampuchea survivors, historians, and museum specialists around the world expressing dismay at the prison’s recent renovation work, including a new paint job.  We continued to press for preserving as much of Tuol Sleng’s historical structure as possible while undertaking the necessary work to keep the buildings safe for the public, and the renovation work ceased. We have now begun negotiations with the government to take over the Tuol Sleng Museum so that proper restoration work can commence.

Other Worldwide Exhibits. In 2004, we supplied the Washington State Genocide Museum, the Chicago Killing Fields Museum, the new Rwanda Genocide Museum, and several individuals with photographs that have been used in exhibitions (nearly the entire collection of the Washington facility, which is the first Cambodian genocide museum in the United States, was provided by DC-Cam). We also began preparatory work with Germany’s Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation to contribute photographs for an exhibit at its headquarters next year.

1.4      The Digital Photo Archive Project

DC-Cam interviewed over former Khmer Rouge cadre and their family members, and obtained nearly 200 photographs from the DK era. In December, w published a monograph on the recollections of these former cadres and their families (the base people) entitled Stilled Lives: Photographs from the Cambodian Genocide. We also scanned all of the photographs, captioned and indexed them, and are placing them and other project information on the Internet. The project team also received training on book design and layout in India.

1.5      Film Project

In 2004, DC-Cam provided research, translation, and other support to Cambodian director Rithy Panh on his documentary S-21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine, which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival. In April, DC-Cam director Youk Chhang accompanied Mr. Panh to New York to screen the film at the United Nations in preface to fundraising for the tribunal. We also gave advisory support to Mr. Panh two other documentary films.

This year, DC-Cam also produced its first film, a 30-minute documentary entitled The Khmer Rouge Rice Fields: The Story of Rape Survivor Taing Kim. It is about a woman who was gang raped by Khmer Rouge soldiers and her views on justice and reconciliation. The film is shown at DC-Cam’s Public Information Room and daily at Tuol Sleng. It has been screened in Thailand, the Brussels Film Festival, Prix Bruno Mersch, and the Museum of Modern Art and Asian Cultural Council in New York. DVD productions of the film have earned $400, which is being used to support the education of Taing Kim’s children.

1.6      Collection of New Materials and Data

Although we possess a very large collection of documentary materials, we are always on the lookout for additional acquisitions. In 2004, we will continue to search for new documentary materials in Cambodia and abroad from both institutional sources and individuals. In October, DC-Cam’s director traveled to Hanoi to determine the status of the large number of DK-era documents held by the Vietnamese government.

2. Promoting Accountability and the Rule of Law

We do not expect that legal accountability for the horrific crimes of the Khmer Rouge will completely resolve the problems of poverty and injustice Cambodians face today. However, the leaders’ prosecution in a court of law will be the most important factor in helping victims realize some measure of justice for the wrongs committed against them and their loved ones, and then begin to reach closure with the past. Just as important, the process of accountability for the Khmer Rouge must serve as a bridge toward a stronger rule of law.

Important steps toward accountability were achieved in October 2004, when Cambodia ratified its agreement with the United Nations on the tribunal of senior Khmer Rouge leaders, promulgated the Khmer Rouge Tribunal Law that harmonizes the agreement, and passed amendments to the law after a yearlong political deadlock that followed the country’s general election in July 2003. In 2004, DC-Cam continued or initiated a number of activities to support the trials of senior Khmer Rouge officials.

2.1      The Mapping Project

This project, which began in 1995, involved seeking out and mapping mass graves, former DK prisons, and genocide memorials using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology.  Sometimes, the readers of our magazine also send us information on the locations of prisons and graves (in November, for example, a Cambodian expatriate wrote us to say he was the only one of 450 Lon Nol soldiers to survive a prison camp in Preik Datch near Neak Loeung along the Mekong River; DC-Cam was unaware of its existence).

Our mapping team identified 19,403 mass graves in 380 clusters, 189 Khmer Rouge security offices, and 80 memorials constructed by survivors of the DK regime. In addition, in 2004, we wrote a 450-page field report on this project with 180 photographs. Although the project formally closed this year, we are continuing to enter its master data set into our GIS database, and will post the data set on our website in 2005.

2.2      The Forensics Study

Based on existing mapping data, a team of three North American research and forensics experts and DC-Cam’s mapping team conducted a detailed reconnaissance of mass graves and memorials to identify sites for a full-scale forensic exhumation. In 2004, we mounted a forensic exhibition of human skeletal remains at the Tuol Sleng Museum and produced a project report on undisturbed graves in two Cambodian villages. Portions of the exhibit can now be viewed on our website.

One of the North American experts hired for the project (Dr. Michael Pollenen, FRCPC medical director and forensic pathologist of the Office of the Chief Coroner, Ontario, and associate professor of pathology, University of Toronto) was to complete a monograph on forensic findings and crimes against humanity in Cambodia. Because Dr. Pollenen did not fulfill his obligations, we have decided to close this project, but we hope he will eventually produce a report on the project.

2.3      Accountability Project (PA)

Our PA Project focuses on fact-finding in advance of the tribunal and seeks to build a better historical understanding of the workings of the DK regime. One of our main activities in this vein is to draw a picture of subordinate-superior relationships during DK and to identify survivors (victims and former Khmer Rouge) who may be helpful in the tribunal. With the tribunal drawing near, we will accelerate the pace and expand the scope of this project.

Interviews and Database. In 2004, as in previous years, our main activity was to conduct interviews with former Khmer Rouge cadres in the field. Using information from our files, our team locates and interviews individuals who served in the DK regime. Our normal procedure is to identify and investigate all relevant biographies from a given geographic area using our CBIO database (see above). We conducted this work through field offices in Kandal, Takeo, Kampong Cham and Kampot provinces. In 2004, we conducted 476 field interviews, thus completing our work in these four provinces. We also transcribed the interviews (7,235 pages).

Analysis of Data. In 2004, we began a major new activity with Dr. Stephen Heder of the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, who is one of the world’s leading experts on modern Cambodian history. Dr. Heder analyzed nearly 1,590 interviews (about 30,000 pages) we conducted with Khmer Rouge cadres to determine if they provide information relevant to the cases of the former Khmer Rouge officials most likely to stand trial. Dr. Heder wrote English summaries of the historically salient points in selected interviews, while preparing the materials for legal analysis and presentation to the Extraordinary Chambers. In addition, he accompanied our field teams to conduct several follow-up interviews with cadres who may be important in providing indications of the leadership chain of the Khmer Rouge. His analysis was completed in December 2004.

2.4      General Support for the Khmer Rouge Tribunal

As the UN and Cambodian government prepare for trials of certain former Khmer Rouge officials, we have been preparing to support the tribunal. Our activities include:

Procedures for Access to DC-Cam’s Archives. We worked with our legal advisors and sought the advice of legal experts from the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia (ICTY) to develop and issue rules and guidelines for accessing DC-Cam documents during the tribunal. The procedures were designed to ensure that our documents remain available for review by court and other authorized individuals and as secure as possible. We have provided a copy of the procedures to the appropriate UN and Cambodian authorities.

Tribunal Response Team. We began planning for this team in late 2003. In 2004, we added more detail to the plan, which we hope to implement in 2005 (depending on funding for the tribunal). The team would comprise Cambodian and non-Cambodian lawyers and political scientists/historians, two of whom would work full time and would be assisted by shorter- term personnel on an as-needed basis; they would be supervised by a DC-Cam staff member familiar with our Center’s documentary holdings. This independent and neutral team will be in a position to help tribunal and authorized officials (as well as the public) carry out research and documentary reviews as needed. Also, Center staff will translate additional documents into English in advance of the tribunal.

In addition, we began seeking support to bring one or more experts from within Cambodia or overseas (e.g., historians, document preservationists) to Phnom Penh to work closely with our team before and during the tribunal.

Public Information Room. To meet the need for documentation materials at the tribunal and dramatically increase access to our archival holdings, DC-Cam opened its new Public Information Room (PIR) in late April 2004. Access is given to legal personnel (representing both the defense and prosecution), scholars, reporters, and the general public. The PIR is also home to DC-Cam’s Victims of Torture Project and will house our Tribunal Response Team.

The PIR also functions as a library and educational forum. To date, it has received nearly 1,000 visitors, hosted guest lectures and in-house training, and screened 4 films on the regime.

In the past few months, DC-Cam has brought together and met with hundreds of Cham Muslim leaders from throughout the country, Buddhist nuns, and representatives of youth organizations, and held talks/planning sessions with them in the PIR (Section 3.4). It also provided the venue for our legal training course (Section 2.5).

DC-Cam Overseas Office. In 2004, we set up an office in the United States at Rutgers University to collect and disseminate information on Khmer Rouge history, with a particular emphasis on assisting the Cambodian North American community. This office also: 

• Serves as a reciprocal exchange between DC-Cam and Rutgers students and faculty

• Facilitates internships/externships at DC-Cam for Rutgers students

• Presents research and training opportunities for Rutgers students and faculty

• Provides a venue for exhibitions, conferences, and seminars

• Locates information for and provide translations to personnel from the UN, members of the legal community, scholars, and others interested in the upcoming tribunal.

Two Rutgers graduate students from DC-Cam (Meng-Try Ea and Vannak Huy) are staffing this office on a volunteer basis. We are receiving support from Rutgers to keep the office open for at least two years.

2.5      Legal Training Project        

A critical part of our work is to train Cambodian leaders on human rights law and related subjects. In July and August, we held a six-week legal training course on international humanitarian and criminal law. It was attended by 30 law students, human rights NGO workers, reporters, political representatives, lawyers, and selected DC-Cam staff. The trainees’ institutions and project staff are listed below.