Introduction to Cambodia

{L} The Killing Fields in Cambodia
{R} Photos of some of the victims of Pol Pot's regime

For those of you who do not know, the Kingdom of Cambodia remains a victim of war spanning many years, it has been a protectorate of France, occupied by Japan, at war with the North Vietnamese, survived three years when approximately 2million Cambodians were killed under the Pol Pot regime in what became known as The Killing Fields. Cambodia was then invaded by Vietnam, plagued by guerilla warfare and finally, in 1990 an uneasy peace began. However in 1997 there was a coup against the Prime Minister. Charges of genocide have been brought against many of Cambodia’s leaders and trials to bring them to justice are only just beginning.

Against this background there are many victims in Cambodia today. Those who are obvious are the amputees who were victims of landmines laid by their own people but also those who are not as obvious are the children who have grown up without extended family or have fractured families who remain victims of war and poverty. It is to these children and families Samaritan’s Purse Australia has a heart to minister and by something as simple as a shoe box given through Operation Christmas Child some of this sadness, hurt and hopelessness can be eased.

Coming next – Operation Christmas Child in Cambodia