KhmerTimes-May 30, 2024
In a poignant gathering intended to share reflections on Cambodia’s dark past and help to chart a future free from genocide, survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime recounted tales of their suffering and resilience last week. “The Future of Cambodia without Genocide” conference was organized by the Documentation Centre of Cambodia (DC-Cam) between May 20 and 22. The conference brought together 30 elderly survivors, 23 men and seven women, from various districts of Prey Veng province. Also present at the event were two individuals who participated as plaintiffs at the Khmer Rouge tribunal. The conference also attracted experts in education, health, human rights and genocide prevention. The conference was supported by local and international organisations, including the United States Agency for International Development. El You, a 61-year-old Cham survivor from Andong village, Mes Prachan commune in Pearaing district of Prey Veng, shared the tale of his harrowing ordeal under the rule of the ultra-Maoist Khmer Rouge regime between 1975–1979. He recounted how he spent many nights sleeping in open fields, surviving on meagre rations shared with many others. He also described the loss of 15 family members. Despite the immense suffering the survivors endured, women and men like Min and Yan expressed their hopes for the future, emphasizing the importance of education, peacekeeping and unity to forever prevent future atrocities. Read more at: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501497054/kr-survivors-share-stories-at-first-future-conference/
