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The Killing Fields of Cambodia

Writer's picture: Ian MillerIan Miller

Updated: Feb 13, 2024

The Killing Fields of Cambodia


The term "killing fields" refers to the sites where the Khmer Rouge regime executed and buried millions of Cambodians between 1975 and 1979. The Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, was a radical communist movement that sought to create a utopian agrarian society by eradicating all perceived enemies of the revolution. These included ethnic minorities, religious groups, intellectuals, professionals, urban dwellers, former government officials and soldiers, and anyone who showed signs of dissent or opposition. The Khmer Rouge subjected the population to brutal conditions of forced labor, starvation, disease, torture and mass murder. It is estimated that between 1.5 and 2 million people died under the Khmer Rouge rule, out of a total population of about 8 million.


The killing fields were scattered throughout the country, often in remote areas or near prisons and detention centres. The victims were transported to these sites in trucks, blindfolded and bound. They were then killed by various methods, such as bludgeoning with hoes, axes, bamboo sticks or metal rods, or slitting their throats with knives or palm leaves. The bodies were dumped into mass graves, sometimes still alive. Some of the most notorious killing fields are Choeung Ek, Tuol Sleng, Cheung Tha and Wat Thmei. Many of these sites have been turned into memorials and museums to honour the victims and educate the public about the atrocities.



The killing fields of Cambodia are a tragic reminder of the horrors of genocide and human rights violations. They also represent the resilience and courage of the survivors and their families who have sought justice and reconciliation in the aftermath of the violence. The international community is responsible for preventing such crimes from happening again and supporting the efforts for peace and democracy in Cambodia.

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