The Documentation Centre of Cambodia (DC-Cam) is preparing to release preliminary findings on a nationwide survey aimed at rehabilitating vulnerable Khmer Rouge Survivors.
Carried out by 700 DC-Cam volunteers, mostly young people and collectively known as CamboCorps, the survey is part of the centre’s Advancing the Rights and Improving the Conditions of the Health of Khmer Rouge Survivors project.
The paper-based questionnaire, which includes more than 50 questions, explores the impact of living under the ruthless and genocidal Pol Pot-led Democratic Kampuchea (1975-1979) on the health and wellbeing of the survivors, both physically and psychologically.
Around 24,000 people, mainly between the age of 42 and 69, have participated in the survey.
Youk Chhang, DC-Cam Director, said the most of the participants are farmers, housewives, fishermen retirees and the unemployed, particularly those who have limited access to healthcare services.
“We have planned to use the data and findings from this survey to formulate recommendations and come up with the support within our capacity to improve vulnerable survivors’ access to the much needed healthcare,” he said.
“Almost all Khmer Rouge experienced hardship, starvation and violence in the Khmer Rouge, and it is very important to study about their trauma and help them deal with the scars.”
Youk added that so far the data which has been collected from 10,836 surveys (7,529 women and 3,307 men) is being analysed. The preliminary findings are expected to be released in July this year.
Survivors of the Khmer Rouge era are among the most vulnerable people in Cambodia because of their health condition, disabilities, poor education and socio-economic status compared to the rest of the country.
“In addition, the young volunteers who have been conducting the survey also have the chance to talk to the elder survivors, including their parents and grandparents, and in the process obtain knowledge on Khmer Rouge history,” Youk added.
“By keeping the survivors’ stories alive, the brute legacy of Khmer Rouge will never be forgotten.”
