A United Nations official has welcomed a ruling in Cambodia's genocide tribunal that will allow crimes of sexual violence committed during the Khmer Rouge regime to be tried.
The UN's Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Hawa Bangura, welcomed the move that will see crimes of forced marriage and rape included against three former regime officials on trial for crimes against humanity and genocide.
Bangura said,
“This ruling provides an opportunity to send a clear message that conflict-related sexual violence is a crime against humanity and that no matter how long it takes perpetrators will be prosecuted and punished,”
“Those who suffered under the Khmer Rouge should not be victimized again by having their cries for justice ignored”.