Everyone in Cambodia was affected by the Khmer Rouge. The population of approximately eight million had their property and homes confiscated. Many were relocated to forced labour camps, watched family members die of exhaustion and murder.
Many were starved, often tortured, and children were often orphaned or abandoned. Education, healthcare, religion and all economic activity stopped, as teachers, doctors, monks, merchants and the elite were first targeted in the genocide. Between 1. Crimes against humanity are still being tried in Cambodian courts. After the Khmer Rouge fell, Cambodians focussed on growing and finding food and on looking for members of their families.
Post-traumatic stress syndrome was rampant, but luxuries like diagnosis and treatment did not exist. Children born after the Khmer Rouge have not escaped — they were raised by traumatized family members. The cycle of poverty and abuse continues today. You can make a big difference by buying local products and services, and by tipping responsibility. Sure, take photos, but otherwise behave much as you would in a church: keep your voice down and dress respectfully.
Angkor officials restrict entry into the most popular temples unless your knees, shoulders and tops of your arms are covered. Cambodia has , blind or visually impaired citizens, often due to the six million remaining unexploded landmines, poor nutrition, or lack of healthcare.
One of their few sources of employment is massage centres aimed at tourists. Some copycats use the exact names as the legit ones. Orphanages are another example. Some of these institutions parade kids through tourist restaurants soliciting donations and volunteers.
