As we have been travelling in Cambodia we have been struck by the poverty of the people and the fact that despite it they maintain a gentle friendly manner. The wonder of this has been revealed today as we learnt the horrors they suffered during Pol Pot's regime. We have been to the killing fields just outside the city where 20,000 corpses have already been excavated and many more mass graves remain undisturbed but we had no idea that there are 343 similar sites throughout the country. About 2 million men, women and children were killed between 1975 and 1979. We also visited S21 prison, that was formerly a school, and walking through the building and seeing photos, letters, accounts from some of the few survivors etc was an incredibly moving experience. And so far only one of the perpetrators has been sentenced! There seems to be lots of statements of condemnation from the Government but little action and we saw some infuriating notes from lawyers arguing whether they should be charged with genocide or crimes against humanity. They can't agree - so most have not yet been charged at all.
Tomorrow we are going to Kampot in the south, and hope to have time for reflection and relaxation. The next blog entry should be on a lighter note.
Happy Chinese New Year!