AKP Phnom Penh, July 11, 2025 -- The serial site "Cambodian Memorial Sites: From Centres of Repression to Places of Peace and Reflection" has officially been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris, France, this evening under Decision 47 COM 8B.14.

The inscription recognises key sites associated with the Khmer Rouge regime, including the Former M-13 Prison, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek are located in Phnom Penh while M-13 is situated in Kampong Chhnang province, bordering Kampong Speu province.

“This historic inscription marks another moment of national pride for Cambodia, following the successful listing of national iconic and historical sites such as the ancient temple complexes of Angkor (1992), Preah Vihear (2008), Sambor Prei Kuk (2017), and Koh Ker (2023),” said the Ministry of Culture in a press release this evening.

The Cambodian Memorial Sites represent Cambodia's first modern, non-classical archaeological heritage to receive World Heritage status, underlined the source, adding that they are also among the first Sites of Memory Associated with Recent Conflicts to be inscribed regionally and globally. 

“This recognition is a testament to the resilience and deep commitment of the Cambodian people, especially the tireless efforts of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, and the continued leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, both of whom have made the safeguarding of Cambodia's historical legacy a national priority,” the Ministry of Culture stressed.

According to the ministry, the inscription acknowledges the unwavering efforts of the Cambodian people and the Royal Government in transforming a land once ravaged by war and genocide, once synonymous with the term "killing fields", into a place of peace and dignity. This transformation is not only deeply meaningful to Cambodians but also contributes profoundly to the collective memory of humanity.

“The inclusion of the Cambodian Memorial Sites in the World Heritage List is a solemn tribute to the victims of Cambodia's tragic past. It affirms the Royal Government's enduring commitment to remembrance, historical education, and the preservation of peace, values that are priceless for both present and future generations,” it continued. “These sites now stand as part of the global heritage and offer the international community a deeper understanding of the suffering, resilience, and aspirations of the Cambodian people, under the powerful guiding message: ‘Thanks for Peace’."

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre

Former M-13 Prison​​​​​​​

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

By C. Nika