The Paris Peace Accords represented a significant diplomatic achievement that sought to resolve the Cambodian conflict which had expanded in the context of the regional dynamics of the Cold War. The accords were signed by representatives from multiple parties: the Cambodian government, the Khmer Rouge, and neighboring Vietnam, with the participation of United Nations representatives. The negotiations were complex, involving extensive discussions that addressed territory, governance, and the future of approximately 7 million Cambodians caught in the crossfire of internal and external conflicts since the early 1970s.

One of the most notable aspects of the accords was the commitment to hold free and fair elections in Cambodia, supervised by the United Nations, as a means to restore order and democratic governance to a nation devastated by years of warfare, including the brutal regime of Pol Pot. This was significant, as it underscored international efforts to bring stability to a country that had suffered catastrophic human losses and gross violations of human rights.

The signing event took place in Paris, France, symbolizing an international commitment to restoring peace in Cambodia. The accords outlined specific measures, including the withdrawal of foreign troops and the disarmament of various factions. The international community viewed this agreement as a possible turning point for Cambodia, with hope that it would lead to long-term peace and reconstruction, diminishing the influence of the Khmer Rouge, which still posed a threat in the region. However, the road to lasting peace would remain fraught with challenges.