VIRTUAL MEMORIAL INTERVIEWS
The Khmer Rouge persecuted the educated — such as doctors, lawyers, and current or former military and police. Christian, Buddhist, Muslim and ethnic Vietnamese citizens were specifically targeted. Though many eyewitnesses to the Cambodian genocide have passed away, these firsthand testimonies give a human voice to the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge. The interviews were conducted in Phnom Penh, in Cambodian language. They were recorded on video in the year 2019. Interviewees come from different ethnic groups: Khmer, Cham, Vietnamese and Indigenous Peoples.
Chouk Vanny (born 1957) from Kampong Cham Province:
“Like all city dwellers, the Khmer Rouge forced me to leave the capital Phnom Penh in April 1975. I saw many dead bodies on the way to the labour camps. There I was forcibly married. I felt I was inside a dark regime. Wherever I ran to I would be dead.”
“Like all city dwellers, the Khmer Rouge forced me to leave the capital Phnom Penh in April 1975. I saw many dead bodies on the way to the labour camps. There I was forcibly married. I felt I was inside a dark regime. Wherever I ran to I would be dead.”
Ear Kimsrun (born 1955) from Kandal Province:
“I had four siblings; two died during the KR regime, as well as my parents. I don't know how to express my hunger in Khmer Rouge times. I prayed every day that I could get more food.”
“I had four siblings; two died during the KR regime, as well as my parents. I don't know how to express my hunger in Khmer Rouge times. I prayed every day that I could get more food.”
Kham Nyvann (born 1963) from Steoung Treng Province:
“Khmer Rouge soldiers defeated Lon Nol in 1975. They seized Phnom Penh and evacuated its people. Families were broken up. The Khmer Rouge hated educated people or city dwellers. They killed them.”
“Khmer Rouge soldiers defeated Lon Nol in 1975. They seized Phnom Penh and evacuated its people. Families were broken up. The Khmer Rouge hated educated people or city dwellers. They killed them.”
Khan Sophan (born 1961) from Steoung Treng Province:
“My eldest brother was a Khmer Rouge soldier. That did not prevent the death of my sister. I saw how my father was tied up and taken away. Back then, I knew he would never come back.”
“My eldest brother was a Khmer Rouge soldier. That did not prevent the death of my sister. I saw how my father was tied up and taken away. Back then, I knew he would never come back.”
Sun Touch (born 1966) from Takeo Province:
“My heart burns whenever I think about the Pol Pot regime. I almost lost my whole family. My niece and nephew were killed like animals. My uncle was a Muslim. He was starved to death because of his religion.”
“My heart burns whenever I think about the Pol Pot regime. I almost lost my whole family. My niece and nephew were killed like animals. My uncle was a Muslim. He was starved to death because of his religion.”
Bit Lon (born 1953) from Prey Veng Province:
“I was assigned to a so-called 'Mobile Unit'. We had to build irrigation channels and dikes - 10 meters per day. It was excruciating. In the rainy season, we had to farm rice, too. If we did not complete our quota we would disappear within two to three days.”
“I was assigned to a so-called 'Mobile Unit'. We had to build irrigation channels and dikes - 10 meters per day. It was excruciating. In the rainy season, we had to farm rice, too. If we did not complete our quota we would disappear within two to three days.”
Chao Ny (born 1953) from Muat Chruk Province:
“My uncle, and brothers fought in the Cambodian Civil War, which preceded the Khmer Rouge genocide. I worked hard in the rice field. I had to steal food to feed my family. There was no medicine. People around me disappeared everyday.”
“My uncle, and brothers fought in the Cambodian Civil War, which preceded the Khmer Rouge genocide. I worked hard in the rice field. I had to steal food to feed my family. There was no medicine. People around me disappeared everyday.”
Chep Soy (born 1947) from Kompong Chhnang:
“I was married with two children before Pol Pot. My first child died; my husband, my brothers and three sisters did not survive either. Children became child soldiers; they turned against their own parents.”
“I was married with two children before Pol Pot. My first child died; my husband, my brothers and three sisters did not survive either. Children became child soldiers; they turned against their own parents.”
Chien Sao (born 1954) from Kampong Chhnang Province:
“I remember my forced marriage during the KR regime. The cadre selected my wife. Thirty couples were married in the same night, including my brother, cousin and aunt. They didn't call it ‘marriage’ but a ‘sacrifice’.”
“I remember my forced marriage during the KR regime. The cadre selected my wife. Thirty couples were married in the same night, including my brother, cousin and aunt. They didn't call it ‘marriage’ but a ‘sacrifice’.”
Sos Mat (born 1964) from Tboung Khmum:
" I was married around 1972. We had 13 children but seven died. In the labor camp we had to work from 6AM to 11PM every day. We were only given a little bit of porridge. Many people were killed without reason.”
" I was married around 1972. We had 13 children but seven died. In the labor camp we had to work from 6AM to 11PM every day. We were only given a little bit of porridge. Many people were killed without reason.”
Eam Yen (born 1968) from Takeo Province:
“In the labour camps, adults and children lived separately. During the Khmer Rouge, I was only allowed to visit my parents a few times. I stole food and was tortured for this. I couldn't handle the pain. My body is scarred.”
“In the labour camps, adults and children lived separately. During the Khmer Rouge, I was only allowed to visit my parents a few times. I stole food and was tortured for this. I couldn't handle the pain. My body is scarred.”
El Phas (born1966) from Tboung Khmum:
“US bombings forced Cambodians out of their villages. Then the Khmer Rouge emptied the cities and we were sent back to the countryside. My hair was cut short. I was forced to work hard and to steal food to survive.”
“US bombings forced Cambodians out of their villages. Then the Khmer Rouge emptied the cities and we were sent back to the countryside. My hair was cut short. I was forced to work hard and to steal food to survive.”
Kong Sinet (born 1968) from Kompong Chhnang:
“I stayed with my grandparents, as my parents worked far from home. When they came back, my father was taken away and killed. I fled with my mother; we saw many dead bodies on our way to safety.”
“I stayed with my grandparents, as my parents worked far from home. When they came back, my father was taken away and killed. I fled with my mother; we saw many dead bodies on our way to safety.”
Muy Vouchlang (born unknown) from Kandal Province:
“I was married before Pol Pot came to power; the Khmer Rouge forced me to re-marry. We did not have rice to eat; to survive the forced labor, we ate what we found or stole if there was an opportunity. We could have been killed for these actions easily.”
“I was married before Pol Pot came to power; the Khmer Rouge forced me to re-marry. We did not have rice to eat; to survive the forced labor, we ate what we found or stole if there was an opportunity. We could have been killed for these actions easily.”
Peou Lim (born unknown) from Kandal Province):
“The Khmer Rouge hated us Chams (Muslims). Soldiers cut my hair with a meat cleaver. We were not allowed to cry, even if we were abused. We were yelled at and treated worse than dogs.”
“The Khmer Rouge hated us Chams (Muslims). Soldiers cut my hair with a meat cleaver. We were not allowed to cry, even if we were abused. We were yelled at and treated worse than dogs.”
Hong Savath (born 1965) from Kandal Province:
“My father belonged to an indigenous group (Phnong), which supported Pol Pot. The Khmer Rouge taught us how to kill ‘enemies of the state’. If I would not have killed others, they would have killed me.”
“My father belonged to an indigenous group (Phnong), which supported Pol Pot. The Khmer Rouge taught us how to kill ‘enemies of the state’. If I would not have killed others, they would have killed me.”
Kheav Sarath (born 1953) from Kandal Province:
“I fought in the Civil War, from 1973. When the Khmer Rouge came to power, we experienced a nightmare. Even though I was very ill I had to work hard. My father died of hunger. Many people around us died.”
“I fought in the Civil War, from 1973. When the Khmer Rouge came to power, we experienced a nightmare. Even though I was very ill I had to work hard. My father died of hunger. Many people around us died.”
Kong Kirmsan (born 1950) from Kratie Province:
“When The Khmer Rouge came to power, everybody was forced to work in the rice fields. I was separated from my mother; I became a Khmer Rouge soldier. I wore my uniform until 1979."
“When The Khmer Rouge came to power, everybody was forced to work in the rice fields. I was separated from my mother; I became a Khmer Rouge soldier. I wore my uniform until 1979."
Ly Sarith (born 1955) from Kampong Cham Province:
“My father was Vietnamese. The KR soldiers took him away from us ‘to be re-educated’. That meant they killed him. I had to put all my effort into the work the KR assigned me to do. Otherwise I would have been killed, too.”
“My father was Vietnamese. The KR soldiers took him away from us ‘to be re-educated’. That meant they killed him. I had to put all my effort into the work the KR assigned me to do. Otherwise I would have been killed, too.”
Soum Bounchoeun (born 1953) from Kampong Chhnang Province:
“I worked from 6:30AM to 11PM everyday. My father was shot when he attempted to flee. I was about to be executed because of this, too. But the Khmer Rouge kept me alive. I was relieved when the horror was finally over in 1979.”
“I worked from 6:30AM to 11PM everyday. My father was shot when he attempted to flee. I was about to be executed because of this, too. But the Khmer Rouge kept me alive. I was relieved when the horror was finally over in 1979.”
Chhum Oeun (born unknown) from Kampong Thom Province
“My father and I joined the communist movement in 1969. The Khmer Rouge promised prosperity and equality to us ordinary farmers. I was separated from my husband. I had almost no food to feed my children. When the Vietnamese came, we fled to Thailand.”
“My father and I joined the communist movement in 1969. The Khmer Rouge promised prosperity and equality to us ordinary farmers. I was separated from my husband. I had almost no food to feed my children. When the Vietnamese came, we fled to Thailand.”
Men Saroeun (born 1935):
“I had four brothers and four sisters. My elder brother was a Khmer Rouge soldier. It did not help my family; almost all of my relatives were killed. I had to work hard everyday without proper meals. My children were not able to go to school; they had to work in Children's Units.”
“I had four brothers and four sisters. My elder brother was a Khmer Rouge soldier. It did not help my family; almost all of my relatives were killed. I had to work hard everyday without proper meals. My children were not able to go to school; they had to work in Children's Units.”
Kov hy (born 1953):
“I left my school because of the civil war. Both my parents were farmers, but I became a soldier. I fought with the Khmer Rouge hard against the Vietnamese invaders. Finally, we were defeated and I lost a leg.”
“I left my school because of the civil war. Both my parents were farmers, but I became a soldier. I fought with the Khmer Rouge hard against the Vietnamese invaders. Finally, we were defeated and I lost a leg.”
Nget Phany (born unknown) from Kampot Province):
“When I was young, I lived with my parents. During the rule of Prince Sihanouk we were very poor. I had to stop school in order to help my parents. When General Lon Nol came to power, the civil war intensified. My parents fled to the jungle to join the Khmer Rouge.”
“When I was young, I lived with my parents. During the rule of Prince Sihanouk we were very poor. I had to stop school in order to help my parents. When General Lon Nol came to power, the civil war intensified. My parents fled to the jungle to join the Khmer Rouge.”
Ros Phoeung (born unknown) from Kandal Province)
“I studied only until Grade 4. I was drafted into the military and was separated from my parents. I never saw them again. During the fighting I was badly wounded. I was lucky to survive; many other comrades were killed.”
“I studied only until Grade 4. I was drafted into the military and was separated from my parents. I never saw them again. During the fighting I was badly wounded. I was lucky to survive; many other comrades were killed.”
Indigenous Peoples & Pol Pot - Survivors from Mondulkiri
"When I was young, Cambodia was bombed. People were worried they might die. The Khmer Rouge came and evacuated the people out of the cites. Many people starved to death. We worked everyday with no rest.”
"When I was young, Cambodia was bombed. People were worried they might die. The Khmer Rouge came and evacuated the people out of the cites. Many people starved to death. We worked everyday with no rest.”
Indigenous Peoples & Pol Pot - Survivors from Ratanakiri
“In the Pol Pot regime, I was young and was ordered to work in the kitchen. Soon, Angka wanted me to become a doctor. I later realized that I had not seen my parents for a long time.”
“In the Pol Pot regime, I was young and was ordered to work in the kitchen. Soon, Angka wanted me to become a doctor. I later realized that I had not seen my parents for a long time.”
Yen Dol (born 1943) from Takeo Province:
“I came from a poor family. My childhood was very difficult. I almost have no education. I only completed Grade 1 in school. Then I voluntarily joined the Khmer Rouge movement. I had five siblings but they were all killed.”
“I came from a poor family. My childhood was very difficult. I almost have no education. I only completed Grade 1 in school. Then I voluntarily joined the Khmer Rouge movement. I had five siblings but they were all killed.”
Yin Sophat (born unknown):
“During the civil war I joined the Khmer Rouge. Even as women, we had to work very hard. When the Vietnamese invaded, I fled to the jungle with my friend. We got very sick; we were very hungry. Finally, the Red Cross helped us to enter Thailand. In the refugee camp there was food and medicine.”
“During the civil war I joined the Khmer Rouge. Even as women, we had to work very hard. When the Vietnamese invaded, I fled to the jungle with my friend. We got very sick; we were very hungry. Finally, the Red Cross helped us to enter Thailand. In the refugee camp there was food and medicine.”
Hong Heun (born unknown):
“When I was young my mother died. I lived with my father. He found me a husband, even though I was still very young. In 1970-1972, my family joined the Khmer Rouge movement. When the Vietnamese came in 1979, we fled to the jungle. My husband and my children all died.”
“When I was young my mother died. I lived with my father. He found me a husband, even though I was still very young. In 1970-1972, my family joined the Khmer Rouge movement. When the Vietnamese came in 1979, we fled to the jungle. My husband and my children all died.”
Uy Kimly (born unknown) from Kongpong Chhnang:
“I was a student until 1967. Then I joined the Khmer Rouge. At this time, the Khmer Rouge and the Vietnamese communists were still allies. Vietcong doctors taught me to become a medic.”
“I was a student until 1967. Then I joined the Khmer Rouge. At this time, the Khmer Rouge and the Vietnamese communists were still allies. Vietcong doctors taught me to become a medic.”
Eth Bunreun (born unknown) from Ratanakiki Province:
“My family was so poor, we did not even own cattle. I could not help them earn money because I was too young at this time. Then the Khmer Rouge came and forced us into the countryside. They made me work hard so I fled to the jungle.”
“My family was so poor, we did not even own cattle. I could not help them earn money because I was too young at this time. Then the Khmer Rouge came and forced us into the countryside. They made me work hard so I fled to the jungle.”
Preap Sary (born 1950) from Kampot province:
“I was a good student when I was young. I used to live at the temple, receiving education from the monks. Later, I joined the Khmer Rouge movement and worked for the Khmer Rouge district chief. I became a commander. This is how I survived.”
“I was a good student when I was young. I used to live at the temple, receiving education from the monks. Later, I joined the Khmer Rouge movement and worked for the Khmer Rouge district chief. I became a commander. This is how I survived.”
Chu Sarun (born 1945) from Kompong Thom Province:
“I studied the French language when I was young. After I was evacuated from the city, the Khmer Rouge provided me with special training. I learned how to make medicine. In 1979, I fought side-by-side with my brother. He was killed.”
“I studied the French language when I was young. After I was evacuated from the city, the Khmer Rouge provided me with special training. I learned how to make medicine. In 1979, I fought side-by-side with my brother. He was killed.”
Norng Sarim from Kongpong Speu Province:
“My father joined the Khmer Rouge because he was a wanted criminal. There was a 2500-riel-bounty on his head. First, I did not want to become a Khmer Rouge soldier because I was a girl. But then I changed my mind. My sister became a Khmer Rouge nurse, too.”
“My father joined the Khmer Rouge because he was a wanted criminal. There was a 2500-riel-bounty on his head. First, I did not want to become a Khmer Rouge soldier because I was a girl. But then I changed my mind. My sister became a Khmer Rouge nurse, too.”
Chum Vorn (born 1954) from Kampot Province:
“My father died when I was young. I helped my mother to farm rice. It was hard at times, when the USA started to secretly bomb Cambodia. I decided to join the Khmer Rouge as a soldier. On average, 50 to 60 of my comrades died per day in the fighting.”
“My father died when I was young. I helped my mother to farm rice. It was hard at times, when the USA started to secretly bomb Cambodia. I decided to join the Khmer Rouge as a soldier. On average, 50 to 60 of my comrades died per day in the fighting.”
Long Kuet (born 1937):
“I became a Buddhist monk in 1969. During the civil war, I saw a lot of suffering and death. I left the monkhood and joined the Khmer Rouge. Our weapons, tanks and ammunition were imported from China. When the Vietnamese came, I fled.”
“I became a Buddhist monk in 1969. During the civil war, I saw a lot of suffering and death. I left the monkhood and joined the Khmer Rouge. Our weapons, tanks and ammunition were imported from China. When the Vietnamese came, I fled.”
Chin Reoun (born 1949) from Kratie Province:
“Both my parents died. As an orphan, I joined the resistance, because I thought that would give my life purpose. I experienced a lot of bombing raids; I was wounded many times. However, I did not give up fighting until the demise of the Khmer Rouge, in 1979.”
“Both my parents died. As an orphan, I joined the resistance, because I thought that would give my life purpose. I experienced a lot of bombing raids; I was wounded many times. However, I did not give up fighting until the demise of the Khmer Rouge, in 1979.”
DJ Sdey (born unknown):
“I was a child performer for the Khmer Rouge, singing propaganda songs at ceremonies. In the 1980s I first learned the Russian language, then English. I became one of Cambodia's first rappers, educating a new generation about the Khmer Rouge and their legacy.”
“I was a child performer for the Khmer Rouge, singing propaganda songs at ceremonies. In the 1980s I first learned the Russian language, then English. I became one of Cambodia's first rappers, educating a new generation about the Khmer Rouge and their legacy.”
Art of Survival - Artists Speak Out
Hen Sophal: “I painted pictures to show the young ones about the past, about the brutality and cruelty that it was.”
Hen Sophal: “I painted pictures to show the young ones about the past, about the brutality and cruelty that it was.”
Chum Mey (born unknown):
“I was one of only seven known adult survivors of Khmer Rouge imprisonment at the S-21 Tuol Sleng camp, where about 20,000 prisoners, mostly Cambodians, were sent for execution. Formerly a motor mechanic working in Phnom Penh, I was taken to the prison on 28 October, 1978. For 12 days and nights I was tortured as my interrogators tried to force me to confess to spying for the United States and Russia.”
“I was one of only seven known adult survivors of Khmer Rouge imprisonment at the S-21 Tuol Sleng camp, where about 20,000 prisoners, mostly Cambodians, were sent for execution. Formerly a motor mechanic working in Phnom Penh, I was taken to the prison on 28 October, 1978. For 12 days and nights I was tortured as my interrogators tried to force me to confess to spying for the United States and Russia.”
VIRTUAL MEMORIAL INTERVIEWS
The Khmer Rouge persecuted the educated — such as doctors, lawyers, and current or former military and police. Christian, Buddhist, Muslim and ethnic Vietnamese citizens were specifically targeted. Though many eyewitnesses to the Cambodian genocide have passed away, these firsthand testimonies give a human voice to the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge. The interviews were conducted in Phnom Penh, in Cambodian language. They were recorded on video in the year 2019. Interviewees come from different ethnic groups: Khmer, Cham, Vietnamese and Indigenous Peoples.
Sos Mat (born 1964) from Tboung Khmum:
" I was married around 1972. We had 13 children but seven died. In the labor camp we had to work from 6AM to 11PM every day. We were only given a little bit of porridge. Many people were killed without reason.”
" I was married around 1972. We had 13 children but seven died. In the labor camp we had to work from 6AM to 11PM every day. We were only given a little bit of porridge. Many people were killed without reason.”
Eam Yen (born 1968) from Takeo Province:
“In the labour camps, adults and children lived separately. During the Khmer Rouge, I was only allowed to visit my parents a few times. I stole food and was tortured for this. I couldn't handle the pain. My body is scarred.”
“In the labour camps, adults and children lived separately. During the Khmer Rouge, I was only allowed to visit my parents a few times. I stole food and was tortured for this. I couldn't handle the pain. My body is scarred.”
El Phas (born1966) from Tboung Khmum:
“US bombings forced Cambodians out of their villages. Then the Khmer Rouge emptied the cities and we were sent back to the countryside. My hair was cut short. I was forced to work hard and to steal food to survive.”
“US bombings forced Cambodians out of their villages. Then the Khmer Rouge emptied the cities and we were sent back to the countryside. My hair was cut short. I was forced to work hard and to steal food to survive.”
Kong Sinet (born 1968) from Kompong Chhnang:
“I stayed with my grandparents, as my parents worked far from home. When they came back, my father was taken away and killed. I fled with my mother; we saw many dead bodies on our way to safety.”
“I stayed with my grandparents, as my parents worked far from home. When they came back, my father was taken away and killed. I fled with my mother; we saw many dead bodies on our way to safety.”
Muy Vouchlang (born unknown) from Kandal Province:
“I was married before Pol Pot came to power; the Khmer Rouge forced me to re-marry. We did not have rice to eat; to survive the forced labor, we ate what we found or stole if there was an opportunity. We could have been killed for these actions easily.”
“I was married before Pol Pot came to power; the Khmer Rouge forced me to re-marry. We did not have rice to eat; to survive the forced labor, we ate what we found or stole if there was an opportunity. We could have been killed for these actions easily.”
Peou Lim (born unknown) from Kandal Province):
“The Khmer Rouge hated us Chams (Muslims). Soldiers cut my hair with a meat cleaver. We were not allowed to cry, even if we were abused. We were yelled at and treated worse than dogs.”
“The Khmer Rouge hated us Chams (Muslims). Soldiers cut my hair with a meat cleaver. We were not allowed to cry, even if we were abused. We were yelled at and treated worse than dogs.”
Hong Savath (born 1965) from Kandal Province:
“My father belonged to an indigenous group (Phnong), which supported Pol Pot. The Khmer Rouge taught us how to kill ‘enemies of the state’. If I would not have killed others, they would have killed me.”
“My father belonged to an indigenous group (Phnong), which supported Pol Pot. The Khmer Rouge taught us how to kill ‘enemies of the state’. If I would not have killed others, they would have killed me.”
Kheav Sarath (born 1953) from Kandal Province:
“I fought in the Civil War, from 1973. When the Khmer Rouge came to power, we experienced a nightmare. Even though I was very ill I had to work hard. My father died of hunger. Many people around us died.”
“I fought in the Civil War, from 1973. When the Khmer Rouge came to power, we experienced a nightmare. Even though I was very ill I had to work hard. My father died of hunger. Many people around us died.”
Kong Kirmsan (born 1950) from Kratie Province:
“When The Khmer Rouge came to power, everybody was forced to work in the rice fields. I was separated from my mother; I became a Khmer Rouge soldier. I wore my uniform until 1979."
“When The Khmer Rouge came to power, everybody was forced to work in the rice fields. I was separated from my mother; I became a Khmer Rouge soldier. I wore my uniform until 1979."
Ly Sarith (born 1955) from Kampong Cham Province:
“My father was Vietnamese. The KR soldiers took him away from us ‘to be re-educated’. That meant they killed him. I had to put all my effort into the work the KR assigned me to do. Otherwise I would have been killed, too.”
“My father was Vietnamese. The KR soldiers took him away from us ‘to be re-educated’. That meant they killed him. I had to put all my effort into the work the KR assigned me to do. Otherwise I would have been killed, too.”
Soum Bounchoeun (born 1953) from Kampong Chhnang Province:
“I worked from 6:30AM to 11PM everyday. My father was shot when he attempted to flee. I was about to be executed because of this, too. But the Khmer Rouge kept me alive. I was relieved when the horror was finally over in 1979.”
“I worked from 6:30AM to 11PM everyday. My father was shot when he attempted to flee. I was about to be executed because of this, too. But the Khmer Rouge kept me alive. I was relieved when the horror was finally over in 1979.”
Chhum Oeun (born unknown) from Kampong Thom Province
“My father and I joined the communist movement in 1969. The Khmer Rouge promised prosperity and equality to us ordinary farmers. I was separated from my husband. I had almost no food to feed my children. When the Vietnamese came, we fled to Thailand.”
“My father and I joined the communist movement in 1969. The Khmer Rouge promised prosperity and equality to us ordinary farmers. I was separated from my husband. I had almost no food to feed my children. When the Vietnamese came, we fled to Thailand.”
Men Saroeun (born 1935):
“I had four brothers and four sisters. My elder brother was a Khmer Rouge soldier. It did not help my family; almost all of my relatives were killed. I had to work hard everyday without proper meals. My children were not able to go to school; they had to work in Children's Units.”
“I had four brothers and four sisters. My elder brother was a Khmer Rouge soldier. It did not help my family; almost all of my relatives were killed. I had to work hard everyday without proper meals. My children were not able to go to school; they had to work in Children's Units.”
Kov hy (born 1953):
“I left my school because of the civil war. Both my parents were farmers, but I became a soldier. I fought with the Khmer Rouge hard against the Vietnamese invaders. Finally, we were defeated and I lost a leg.”
“I left my school because of the civil war. Both my parents were farmers, but I became a soldier. I fought with the Khmer Rouge hard against the Vietnamese invaders. Finally, we were defeated and I lost a leg.”
Nget Phany (born unknown) from Kampot Province):
“When I was young, I lived with my parents. During the rule of Prince Sihanouk we were very poor. I had to stop school in order to help my parents. When General Lon Nol came to power, the civil war intensified. My parents fled to the jungle to join the Khmer Rouge.”
“When I was young, I lived with my parents. During the rule of Prince Sihanouk we were very poor. I had to stop school in order to help my parents. When General Lon Nol came to power, the civil war intensified. My parents fled to the jungle to join the Khmer Rouge.”
Ros Phoeung (born unknown) from Kandal Province)
“I studied only until Grade 4. I was drafted into the military and was separated from my parents. I never saw them again. During the fighting I was badly wounded. I was lucky to survive; many other comrades were killed.”
“I studied only until Grade 4. I was drafted into the military and was separated from my parents. I never saw them again. During the fighting I was badly wounded. I was lucky to survive; many other comrades were killed.”
Indigenous Peoples & Pol Pot - Survivors from Mondulkiri
"When I was young, Cambodia was bombed. People were worried they might die. The Khmer Rouge came and evacuated the people out of the cites. Many people starved to death. We worked everyday with no rest.”
"When I was young, Cambodia was bombed. People were worried they might die. The Khmer Rouge came and evacuated the people out of the cites. Many people starved to death. We worked everyday with no rest.”
Indigenous Peoples & Pol Pot - Survivors from Ratanakiri
“In the Pol Pot regime, I was young and was ordered to work in the kitchen. Soon, Angka wanted me to become a doctor. I later realized that I had not seen my parents for a long time.”
“In the Pol Pot regime, I was young and was ordered to work in the kitchen. Soon, Angka wanted me to become a doctor. I later realized that I had not seen my parents for a long time.”
Yen Dol (born 1943) from Takeo Province:
“I came from a poor family. My childhood was very difficult. I almost have no education. I only completed Grade 1 in school. Then I voluntarily joined the Khmer Rouge movement. I had five siblings but they were all killed.”
“I came from a poor family. My childhood was very difficult. I almost have no education. I only completed Grade 1 in school. Then I voluntarily joined the Khmer Rouge movement. I had five siblings but they were all killed.”
Yin Sophat (born unknown):
“During the civil war I joined the Khmer Rouge. Even as women, we had to work very hard. When the Vietnamese invaded, I fled to the jungle with my friend. We got very sick; we were very hungry. Finally, the Red Cross helped us to enter Thailand. In the refugee camp there was food and medicine.”
“During the civil war I joined the Khmer Rouge. Even as women, we had to work very hard. When the Vietnamese invaded, I fled to the jungle with my friend. We got very sick; we were very hungry. Finally, the Red Cross helped us to enter Thailand. In the refugee camp there was food and medicine.”
Hong Heun (born unknown):
“When I was young my mother died. I lived with my father. He found me a husband, even though I was still very young. In 1970-1972, my family joined the Khmer Rouge movement. When the Vietnamese came in 1979, we fled to the jungle. My husband and my children all died.”
“When I was young my mother died. I lived with my father. He found me a husband, even though I was still very young. In 1970-1972, my family joined the Khmer Rouge movement. When the Vietnamese came in 1979, we fled to the jungle. My husband and my children all died.”
Uy Kimly (born unknown) from Kongpong Chhnang:
“I was a student until 1967. Then I joined the Khmer Rouge. At this time, the Khmer Rouge and the Vietnamese communists were still allies. Vietcong doctors taught me to become a medic.”
“I was a student until 1967. Then I joined the Khmer Rouge. At this time, the Khmer Rouge and the Vietnamese communists were still allies. Vietcong doctors taught me to become a medic.”
Eth Bunreun (born unknown) from Ratanakiki Province:
“My family was so poor, we did not even own cattle. I could not help them earn money because I was too young at this time. Then the Khmer Rouge came and forced us into the countryside. They made me work hard so I fled to the jungle.”
“My family was so poor, we did not even own cattle. I could not help them earn money because I was too young at this time. Then the Khmer Rouge came and forced us into the countryside. They made me work hard so I fled to the jungle.”
Preap Sary (born 1950) from Kampot province:
“I was a good student when I was young. I used to live at the temple, receiving education from the monks. Later, I joined the Khmer Rouge movement and worked for the Khmer Rouge district chief. I became a commander. This is how I survived.”
“I was a good student when I was young. I used to live at the temple, receiving education from the monks. Later, I joined the Khmer Rouge movement and worked for the Khmer Rouge district chief. I became a commander. This is how I survived.”
Chu Sarun (born 1945) from Kompong Thom Province:
“I studied the French language when I was young. After I was evacuated from the city, the Khmer Rouge provided me with special training. I learned how to make medicine. In 1979, I fought side-by-side with my brother. He was killed.”
“I studied the French language when I was young. After I was evacuated from the city, the Khmer Rouge provided me with special training. I learned how to make medicine. In 1979, I fought side-by-side with my brother. He was killed.”
Norng Sarim from Kongpong Speu Province:
“My father joined the Khmer Rouge because he was a wanted criminal. There was a 2500-riel-bounty on his head. First, I did not want to become a Khmer Rouge soldier because I was a girl. But then I changed my mind. My sister became a Khmer Rouge nurse, too.”
“My father joined the Khmer Rouge because he was a wanted criminal. There was a 2500-riel-bounty on his head. First, I did not want to become a Khmer Rouge soldier because I was a girl. But then I changed my mind. My sister became a Khmer Rouge nurse, too.”
Chum Vorn (born 1954) from Kampot Province:
“My father died when I was young. I helped my mother to farm rice. It was hard at times, when the USA started to secretly bomb Cambodia. I decided to join the Khmer Rouge as a soldier. On average, 50 to 60 of my comrades died per day in the fighting.”
“My father died when I was young. I helped my mother to farm rice. It was hard at times, when the USA started to secretly bomb Cambodia. I decided to join the Khmer Rouge as a soldier. On average, 50 to 60 of my comrades died per day in the fighting.”
Long Kuet (born 1937):
“I became a Buddhist monk in 1969. During the civil war, I saw a lot of suffering and death. I left the monkhood and joined the Khmer Rouge. Our weapons, tanks and ammunition were imported from China. When the Vietnamese came, I fled.”
“I became a Buddhist monk in 1969. During the civil war, I saw a lot of suffering and death. I left the monkhood and joined the Khmer Rouge. Our weapons, tanks and ammunition were imported from China. When the Vietnamese came, I fled.”
Chin Reoun (born 1949) from Kratie Province:
“Both my parents died. As an orphan, I joined the resistance, because I thought that would give my life purpose. I experienced a lot of bombing raids; I was wounded many times. However, I did not give up fighting until the demise of the Khmer Rouge, in 1979.”
“Both my parents died. As an orphan, I joined the resistance, because I thought that would give my life purpose. I experienced a lot of bombing raids; I was wounded many times. However, I did not give up fighting until the demise of the Khmer Rouge, in 1979.”
DJ Sdey (born unknown):
“I was a child performer for the Khmer Rouge, singing propaganda songs at ceremonies. In the 1980s I first learned the Russian language, then English. I became one of Cambodia's first rappers, educating a new generation about the Khmer Rouge and their legacy.”
“I was a child performer for the Khmer Rouge, singing propaganda songs at ceremonies. In the 1980s I first learned the Russian language, then English. I became one of Cambodia's first rappers, educating a new generation about the Khmer Rouge and their legacy.”
Art of Survival - Artists Speak Out
Hen Sophal: “I painted pictures to show the young ones about the past, about the brutality and cruelty that it was.”
Hen Sophal: “I painted pictures to show the young ones about the past, about the brutality and cruelty that it was.”
Chum Mey (born unknown):
“I was one of only seven known adult survivors of Khmer Rouge imprisonment at the S-21 Tuol Sleng camp, where about 20,000 prisoners, mostly Cambodians, were sent for execution. Formerly a motor mechanic working in Phnom Penh, I was taken to the prison on 28 October, 1978. For 12 days and nights I was tortured as my interrogators tried to force me to confess to spying for the United States and Russia.”
“I was one of only seven known adult survivors of Khmer Rouge imprisonment at the S-21 Tuol Sleng camp, where about 20,000 prisoners, mostly Cambodians, were sent for execution. Formerly a motor mechanic working in Phnom Penh, I was taken to the prison on 28 October, 1978. For 12 days and nights I was tortured as my interrogators tried to force me to confess to spying for the United States and Russia.”
Chouk Vanny (born 1957) from Kampong Cham Province:
“Like all city dwellers, the Khmer Rouge forced me to leave the capital Phnom Penh in April 1975. I saw many dead bodies on the way to the labour camps. There I was forcibly married. I felt I was inside a dark regime. Wherever I ran to I would be dead.”
“Like all city dwellers, the Khmer Rouge forced me to leave the capital Phnom Penh in April 1975. I saw many dead bodies on the way to the labour camps. There I was forcibly married. I felt I was inside a dark regime. Wherever I ran to I would be dead.”
Ear Kimsrun (born 1955) from Kandal Province:
“I had four siblings; two died during the KR regime, as well as my parents. I don't know how to express my hunger in Khmer Rouge times. I prayed every day that I could get more food.”
“I had four siblings; two died during the KR regime, as well as my parents. I don't know how to express my hunger in Khmer Rouge times. I prayed every day that I could get more food.”
Kham Nyvann (born 1963) from Steoung Treng Province:
“Khmer Rouge soldiers defeated Lon Nol in 1975. They seized Phnom Penh and evacuated its people. Families were broken up. The Khmer Rouge hated educated people or city dwellers. They killed them.”
“Khmer Rouge soldiers defeated Lon Nol in 1975. They seized Phnom Penh and evacuated its people. Families were broken up. The Khmer Rouge hated educated people or city dwellers. They killed them.”
Khan Sophan (born 1961) from Steoung Treng Province:
“My eldest brother was a Khmer Rouge soldier. That did not prevent the death of my sister. I saw how my father was tied up and taken away. Back then, I knew he would never come back.”
“My eldest brother was a Khmer Rouge soldier. That did not prevent the death of my sister. I saw how my father was tied up and taken away. Back then, I knew he would never come back.”
Sun Touch (born 1966) from Takeo Province:
“My heart burns whenever I think about the Pol Pot regime. I almost lost my whole family. My niece and nephew were killed like animals. My uncle was a Muslim. He was starved to death because of his religion.”
“My heart burns whenever I think about the Pol Pot regime. I almost lost my whole family. My niece and nephew were killed like animals. My uncle was a Muslim. He was starved to death because of his religion.”
Bit Lon (born 1953) from Prey Veng Province:
“I was assigned to a so-called 'Mobile Unit'. We had to build irrigation channels and dikes - 10 meters per day. It was excruciating. In the rainy season, we had to farm rice, too. If we did not complete our quota we would disappear within two to three days.”
“I was assigned to a so-called 'Mobile Unit'. We had to build irrigation channels and dikes - 10 meters per day. It was excruciating. In the rainy season, we had to farm rice, too. If we did not complete our quota we would disappear within two to three days.”
Chao Ny (born 1953) from Muat Chruk Province:
“My uncle, and brothers fought in the Cambodian Civil War, which preceded the Khmer Rouge genocide. I worked hard in the rice field. I had to steal food to feed my family. There was no medicine. People around me disappeared everyday.”
“My uncle, and brothers fought in the Cambodian Civil War, which preceded the Khmer Rouge genocide. I worked hard in the rice field. I had to steal food to feed my family. There was no medicine. People around me disappeared everyday.”
Chep Soy (born 1947) from Kompong Chhnang:
“I was married with two children before Pol Pot. My first child died; my husband, my brothers and three sisters did not survive either. Children became child soldiers; they turned against their own parents.”
“I was married with two children before Pol Pot. My first child died; my husband, my brothers and three sisters did not survive either. Children became child soldiers; they turned against their own parents.”
Chien Sao (born 1954) from Kampong Chhnang Province:
“I remember my forced marriage during the KR regime. The cadre selected my wife. Thirty couples were married in the same night, including my brother, cousin and aunt. They didn't call it ‘marriage’ but a ‘sacrifice’.”
“I remember my forced marriage during the KR regime. The cadre selected my wife. Thirty couples were married in the same night, including my brother, cousin and aunt. They didn't call it ‘marriage’ but a ‘sacrifice’.”
