Life After
The Cambodian Genocide took millions of innocent lives, and the regime of the Khmer Rouge continued to impact the lives of Cambodian citizens. Immediately after the end of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia became a poverty stricken country. Since the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia had become completely isolated from any other country, and resulted in a slow recovery. In 1979, nearly two million Cambodian people were threatened by hunger. Hundreds of people died every day due to the lack of medical supplies, which was all destroyed during the time of the Khmer Rouge. Psychological damages were also suffered among the remainder of the population.
Recently, efforts have been made to bring the members of the Khmer Rouge to justice. Along with other leaders convicted, Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan were sentenced to life in prison under the charges of crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes. Pol Pot, the leader of the Khmer Rouge, was never convicted or punished for his crimes because he died long before any of the trials commenced. Even if these leaders are punished for the unspeakable crimes, there is no possible way that makes up for the suffering endured by the Cambodian people.
Currently, 75% of the population in Cambodia is young enough to not have lived through the genocide, but it is not an event that will soon be forgotten. Acknowledging the atrocities that were committed in Cambodia from 1975-1979, or in Rwanda, Guatemala, Uganda, Serbia, and many other places genocide occurred, is a step towards prevention. Acceptance not denial will move us forward.
Recently, efforts have been made to bring the members of the Khmer Rouge to justice. Along with other leaders convicted, Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan were sentenced to life in prison under the charges of crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes. Pol Pot, the leader of the Khmer Rouge, was never convicted or punished for his crimes because he died long before any of the trials commenced. Even if these leaders are punished for the unspeakable crimes, there is no possible way that makes up for the suffering endured by the Cambodian people.
Currently, 75% of the population in Cambodia is young enough to not have lived through the genocide, but it is not an event that will soon be forgotten. Acknowledging the atrocities that were committed in Cambodia from 1975-1979, or in Rwanda, Guatemala, Uganda, Serbia, and many other places genocide occurred, is a step towards prevention. Acceptance not denial will move us forward.