Cambodia
Learn about the war history and its consequences
Cambodia’s modern history is marked by a period of intense conflict, most notably during the Vietnam War, the Khmer Rouge regime, and the civil wars that followed, until the early nineties. The country is yet to recover from the immense suffering, and the country is still scattered with bombs that are taking lives every year.
Visit the War Museum in Siem Reap
The War Museum is located a short drive from the center of Siem Reap. It offers an educational experience about Cambodia’s turbulent history, especially focusing on the Khmer Rouge regime and the civil war that followed. It’s the largest war museum in Cambodia and provides insight into the country’s tragic past through a collection of weapons, military vehicles, and personal stories from survivors. The museum houses an array of military equipment used during the civil war, including tanks, helicopters, fighter jets, artillery, and landmines. Many of these were left behind by both Cambodian and international forces, including the Soviet Union and the United States. One of the most impactful exhibits is the section on landmines, showcasing the devastating impact they had on the Cambodian population. Unlike many museums, visitors are encouraged to touch and interact with some of the equipment, making it an immersive experience. Walking among the tanks and weaponry gives a tangible sense of the scale and intensity of the conflict. The War Museum Siem Reap is an important stop for those interested in learning more about Cambodia’s history, particularly its long road to recovery from war and the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge.
Visit Apopo vzw
Apopo is a non-profit organization dedicated to clearing landmines using rats. In 1995, Bart Weetjens, a Belgian and rat enthusiast, came up with the idea. After four years of research and training, they found a successful formula: the rats could detect explosives. In Cambodia, due to the Vietnam War and the civil war with the Khmer Rouge, many regions still contain unexploded bombs. These have caused the deaths of 19,000 people after the war and left another 51,000 severely injured, half of whom were children. It is believed that millions of bombs still remain in Cambodia. Thanks to Apopo and the hero rats, areas can be cleared more quickly, allowing people to be safe again. To date, 7,316 landmines have been destroyed, along with 43,156 UXOs (unexploded ordnance). The African giant pouched rats can clear an area the size of a tennis court in 30 minutes, whereas this would take four days with metal detectors. Rats are too light to trigger the bombs, are intelligent and easily trainable, have a very strong sense of smell, and live for up to eight years. Fortunately, many countries have now signed a treaty banning the use of anti-personnel mines.
