Phnom Penh (FN), Sep. 26 – The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) hosted a significant meeting to advance preparations for the Cambodian Moot Court Competition, a key initiative aimed at strengthening the legal expertise of Cambodian law students and contributing to judicial reform. The competition, to be conducted in Khmer, will provide students with practical experience in courtroom advocacy and legal research through simulated case scenarios.

Held at the ECCC’s multi-purpose hall on Wednesday (Sep. 25), the meeting included representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, and universities from Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap provinces.

Tony Kranh, Secretary of State of the Office of the Council of Ministers and Acting Director of Administration of the ECCC, emphasized the importance of yesterday’s session.

"Today’s meeting is critical to ensure the smooth and consistent preparation for the upcoming Cambodian Moot Court Competition," he said. He added that the competition will enable Cambodian law students to deepen their understanding of legal principles and advocacy in the courtroom through practical case scenarios and legal research.

“The Cambodian Moot Court Competition will contribute to judicial reform in Cambodia and help build human resources in the judiciary. This program will help strengthen legal knowledge and the judiciary, based on principles of justice, neutrality, transparency, and good governance,” Tony Kranh said.

Koe Khemlin, Deputy Director General of the General Department of International Affairs and Justice Development, representing the Ministry of Justice, supported the initiative, saying, "I think this will be a very good program that allows students, especially undergraduates, to compete in the field of justice. The more this Moot Court program develops, the better students will understand our legal system."

Dr. Kol Pheng Vathana, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, also expressed support, stating, "I think this is a good starting point, and I strongly support it. This shows that Cambodia is moving forward, especially in the judiciary, allowing our students to gain confidence, experience in debating in court, and more knowledge of the legal system, giving them the ability to stand on the international stage."

The competition, which will run from September 2024 to March 2025, includes several phases such as memorial submissions, preliminary oral rounds, and final oral rounds scheduled for March 2025. Participants will have opportunities to receive recognition through trophies, medals, and scholarships.
=FRESH NEWS