Phnom Penh: The US Agency for International Development has announced to provide an additional grant of $5 million to Cambodia. It is aimed to improve the conditions of the health of Khmer Rouge survivors through a project entitled, “Advancing the Rights and Improving the Conditions of the Health of Khmer Rouge Survivors”. This will be managed by the Documentation Center of Cambodia with a total activity value of $6.5 million.
US Ambassador Patrick W. Murphy says, “We are proud to support this project. The US government has a long-standing commitment to promoting peace and national reconciliation through Khmer Rouge historical remembrance. The project will help provide access for Khmer Rouge survivors to health care and document health conditions and concerns, socio-economic conditions, and the experiences during the Khmer Rouge period.”
DC-Cam Executive Director, Youk Chhang, says the tragedy and injustice suffered by the Cambodian people under the Khmer Rouge regime was so great that nothing can truly replace or compensate them. However, he has added, that this effort is one significant step forward in truly helping and supporting the survivors of genocide.
Chhang says, “This grant is unique in that it includes a 500-person strong, nationwide volunteer service that will support local survivors in their visits to community health clinics. It gives youth an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and selfless service in support of survivors of the Khmer Rouge and to the Cambodian nation while providing survivors opportunities to share their story of struggle during the Khmer Rouge period with the younger generations to ensure we never forget those years. In short, the program will highlight our shared humanity and reinforce the resilience of the Cambodian people.”
The new project will conduct field research on survivor welfare conditions and translate the findings into public awareness campaigns. It will conduct activities that improve the health, welfare, and wellbeing of Khmer Rouge survivors, nationwide. Examples of the new activities plans include the establishment of a limited fellowship program for medical, mental health, public health, and nursing students. The activity will also set up a DC-Cam-run volunteer service in support of survivors.
