Achieving Peace in Cambodia

Abstract

Negotiating and implementing a durable peace in Cambodia remains one of the United Nations' finest achievements. Nobody pretends that the country is yet a flourishing democracy; or a country in which human rights are respected as they should be; or one where corruption is under control; or where economic and social development is as far advanced as it could and should be. Measured against the ideals of what was the largest (with 22 000 personnel), costliest ($US1.7 billion) and most ambitious UN peace keeping operation ever, it is not surprising that many find the present condition of Cambodia disappointingly wanting.