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Charity number: 1216116
The Cambodian Genocide
The "Forgotten" Genocide
Between 1975 and 1979, Cambodia experienced one of the most devastating genocides of the 20th century under the Khmer Rouge regime, led by Pol Pot. During this period, an estimated 1.7 to 2 million people, around a quarter of Cambodia’s population, died from execution, forced labour, starvation, and disease.
Long-Term Consequences for Cham Families
The Cham Muslim community was one of the groups most severely targeted during the genocide. Unlike other groups, the Cham were persecuted specifically for their religious and ethnic identity.
It is estimated that 36–50% of the Cham population was killed, one of the highest proportional death rates of any group in Cambodia. Mosques were destroyed, Islamic practices were banned, and Cham people were forced to abandon their faith, language, and cultural identity. Entire Cham villages were massacred.
The effects of the genocide did not end in 1979. Many Cham families today continue to face:
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Intergenerational trauma
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Loss of land, livelihoods, and education
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Chronic poverty
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Limited access to healthcare
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Marginalisation within rural communities
In villages like Doun Taok in Kampot, these long-term impacts are still visible, with families often relying on a single income, low daily wages, and little access to medical care.
As we remember the victims of the Cambodian Genocide, we also recognise that genocide and persecution are not confined to history. The survival of Cambodian communities, and the preservation of sites such as the genocide museums and killing fields, stand as powerful reminders of the devastating consequences of hatred and dehumanisation, and of why such atrocities must never be allowed to happen again. Tragically, these lessons continue to be ignored. Today, muslims are still enduring violence, displacement, and injustice, based on there religion and ethnicity, in the current genocide in Gaza. Acknowledging this suffering, we urge compassion, awareness, and action. Those wishing to support life-saving humanitarian work for Palestinians may consider contributing separately by visiting Medical Aid for Palestinians, which provides vital medical aid to civilians in need.
Long term consuquences for the cham
Images of victims displayed at the S-21 death camp
The skulls of victims of the Khmer Rouge
Skulls of victims, on display in Phnom Pehn
We urge all who are able to travel to Cambodia and visit the Genocide Museum (Tuol Sleng) and the Killing Fields to see first-hand the devastating impact of this period in history. At the same time, visitors will also encounter the remarkable warmth, resilience, and kindness of the Cambodian people, whose strength and generosity endure despite unimaginable suffering.