The Ministry of Justice announced its plans on Friday of modernising the justice system with new technological innovations to build public trust and confidence in the Kingdom’s justice sector.

Minister of Justice Ang Vong Vathana made the remarks at a conference to discuss improvements to the current justice system, focusing on the use of modern technology, and addressing challenges in the implementation and enforcement of the law.

“The government’s policy is to prepare a digital economic programme in response to globalisation. The programme includes modernisation of the judicial system with the use of technology to give the people confidence in the justice system,” he said.

In a Facebook post, the ministry announced that provincial court chiefs and prosecutors across the country, including some 70 law enforcement officials, received training at the conference.

All trainees had reviewed the general landscape of other systems of law enforcement around the world, block chains, smart contracts, artificial intelligence, digital properties, as well as various problems which occurred with the application of technology in the justice sector.

“The conference aims to inform judges and prosecutors of new ideas so that they can learn about e-justice, block chains, smart contracts, justice forecasts, the use of artificial intelligence [to address judicial needs], and the uses and impact of technology in the justice system,” the ministry said.

Kandal provincial deputy prosecutor Tin Sochetra told The Post on Sunday that if the modernisation process pushes through, it will improve judicial work in the country, especially the quicker processing of cases and provision of services to the public.

“This is a very good initiative because the justice systems of other developing countries have long been developed whereas we have yet to develop ours. We have previously received training from foreign countries.

“Their management is good. Our country is preparing just like how other countries had, and this is something our officials are capable of doing,” he said.

Cambodian Centre for Human Rights (CCHR) executive director Chak Sopheap commended the efforts of the ministry to improve the justice system, which has previously come under criticism.

“The government’s plans may be fruitful. But it will take a little time. As I said, trying to modernise [the justice system] is a programme that involves harnessing technological potentials to serve the interests of the people,” she said.

However, she said she wanted the Kingdom’s justice system to deliver due process that is open, reliable, and fair for all.

“What [the ministry needs to do] is to ensure that the public is given equal access to justice. Previously, the justice system had many loopholes including double standards among others.

“So, to build confidence among the people, the system should ensure that all have equal rights before the law and access to justice,” she stressed.