UN Reportedly Seeking Funds for Tribunal's Victims Unit

UN Reportedly Seeking Funds for Tribunal's Victims Unit
Mean Veasna, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
29 August 2007

The UN side of the tribunal is seeking funds to stand up it's Victim's
Unit, observers said Wednesday.

The unit, which was added to the structure of the courts late, exists
only in theory, under the technical rules of the tribunal, leading to
widespread concern that victims will not be properly protected and
will thus not participate in trials against former Khmer Rouge
leaders.

At the conclusion of a meeting of civic groups and tribunal officials
Wednesday, several rights advocates said the tribunal would be seeking
funds to stand up a proper Victim's Unit.

The tribunal has been troubled since its inception, more than a year
ago, and rights groups have warned for months the special courts are
under-budgeted.

Tribunal officials will have to reconsider how much they are spending,
experts said Wednesday.

Tribunal officials, including spokesman Peter Foster, could not be
reached for comment.

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