“In Cambodia, landmines endure as a physical reminder of its conflict-laden history. Thousands of Cambodians have been killed or injured simply because they stepped in the wrong place while walking through the countryside, unaware of the explosive harms that lay hidden just beneath the surface. While less immediately visible, the mental health consequences of Cambodia’s history, if left untreated, risk similar consequences. Cambodia’s mental health legacy can negatively impact individual identities, family and community relationships, and belief systems through harmful behaviors and actions. These harms in turn can impact societal perceptions of government services, norms, and laws. In other words, decisions about whether and how to address the mental and physical health challenges resulting from the Khmer Rouge era will impact the future of Cambodians as individuals and Cambodia as a society.”
— Youk Chhang
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines Team Visited The Queen Mother Library.
May 4, 2025
Photo by Ros Sampeou
Documentation Center of Cambodia Archives