AKP Phnom Penh, 13 July 2025-—

The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) has extended today its heartfelt congratulations to the Royal Government and the people of Cambodia following the historic inscription of “Cambodian Memorial Sites: From Centres of Repression to Places of Peace and Reflection” onto the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The inscription, adopted on 11 July 2025 during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, France, includes the M-13 Prison, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre.

ACC stated that this recognition not only honours the resilience of the Cambodian people but also reaffirms the international community’s obligation to safeguard memorial sites of human history. 

The council noted that Cambodia’s commitment to preserving these sites ensures their narratives continue to inspire dialogue, tolerance, and post-conflict reconciliation across generations and cultures, while underscoring the power of remembrance in fostering peace and reflection within communities.

The ACC praised the visionary leadership of Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and commended the pivotal role of the Royal Government of Cambodia, led by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, in highlighting the enduring importance of remembrance, peace, and reconciliation in building a stable and humane future for Cambodia, the region, and the world.

Joining Cambodia and the international community in celebrating this milestone, the ACC emphasized that the inscription reinforces the role of heritage in building bridges and fostering hope among peoples and cultures across the globe.

By K. Rithy Reak