Cambodia: Human Rights, Transitional Justice, and Memory
December 31, 2014 – January 21, 2015
(Winter Intersession 2015)
Retributive justice and transitional justice are two models being used to address the human rights abuses by the Pol Pot regime (1975–79). The course presents a country study on the application of these models that are being used in other parts of the world. On this program, students will discover and evaluate the models, especially focusing on transitional justice. Students will learn to conduct interview-based research and build teamwork and collaboration skills in a foreign environment. They will be assisted by a translator while they interview and interact with local stakeholders including human rights organizations. Students will also have the opportunity to explore a rich culture and fascinating history left behind by the Khmer empire and some of Cambodia's world-famous historic sites, including the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat, the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Siem Reap.
Transitional justice requires broader recognition of victims' rights, documentation of truth, preservation of memory, promotion of empathy and civic trust, and the strengthening of the rule of law in the aftermath of such systemic human rights abuses. Participants will learn how victims fight for justice, seek truth, and preserve memory in the aftermath of massive human rights abuses. In many countries where such atrocities take place, seeking real justice is rarely apolitical. Retributive justice such as found at the Special Court of Sierra Leone, the Extra Ordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) or the Khmer Rouge Tribunal jointly established by the Cambodian government and the United Nations has been hailed as a new model of hybrid justice. However, pursuing retributive justice with a trial of a few top leaders is hardly sufficient to bring closure to Cambodia's tragic past. Victims and perpetrators at the local level continue to live in a fragmented society still haunted by the Pol Pot genocidal regime. The transitional justice model is studied as an alternative.
The program will be based in the capital of Phnom Penh and in Siem Reap city. Participants and the program director will stay at three-star hotels in both cities. Breakfast will be at the hotel, while lunch and dinner will be at local restaurants. Students will also have four or five one-day trips to villages outside the cities to talk to villagers about their experiences during the Pol Pot regime and listen to their views of the current Khmer Rouge trial. A local program assistant will provide additional onsite assistance for students by coordinating local activities and providing translation, together with the program leader.
This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, all majors, and is especially essential for criminal justice or pre-law students and those who plan to work in the field of international human rights. Participants will benefit highly from the program leader's extensive research in Cambodia and his experience as a survivor of the Cambodian Genocide.
Program Dates
December 31, 2014 – January 21, 2015
Program Fee
$4,102 (includes international airfare, CISI health/travel insurance, program-related transportation in Cambodia, excursions, housing and some meals)
Program Fee Payment Schedule:
- First Payment Due: October 31, 2014 — $2,300
- Final Payment Due: November 18, 2014 — $1,802
Additional Costs
Brooklyn College tuition and fees for four credits, as well as out-of-pocket costs ($372 estimated minimum) for personal expenses, visa, laundry and out-of-pocket meals.
Courses and Credits
Participants will register for one four-credit course, shown below. Final course offerings will be dependent on course enrollment.
- POLS 3343: Politics of Genocide & Ethnic Cleansing
Financial Aid / Scholarships
Financial aid may apply, and alternative loans are available. Scholarships that apply to this program are: SASA, SIROCS and Furman, among others (see Scholarship Opportunities).
How to Apply
- Complete the IEGE Notification of Study Abroad/Brooklyn College Study Abroad Application (pdf) and submit via e-mail to the International Education and Global Engagement office, or in person at the IEGE office, 1108 Boylan Hall.
- Contact the program director to express your interest in joining the program.
Application Deadline
Wednesday, October 15, 2014 Deadline extended to Friday, November 14, 2014
More Information
Kosal Path (Program Director)
Department of Political Science
3608 James Hall
P: 718.951.5306
International Education and Global Engagement
1108 Boylan Hall
P: 718.951.5189
Cancellation and Refund Policies
Please read and understand the IEGE Cancellation and Refund Policies Information and note that a participant wishing to cancel their program participation must send written notification to IEGE to officially withdraw. Program withdrawal will be official from the time and date that the written communication was received by IEGE.
Please note that all information listed above is subject to change at any time.
