UNESCO records places of memory of genocide in Cambodia

UNESCO listed 3 memorial sites related to the genocide in Cambodia. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, the M-13 prison and the Choeung Ek execution site were recognized as planet heritage sites. The decision coincided with the 50th anniversary of reaching the power of the Red Khmers, who were liable for the death of about 1.7 million Cambodians.

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh was placed on the UNESCO list on Friday. This was the place where the school the Khmer Reds turned into a S-21 prison. About 15,000 people were held and tortured there.

The second object added to the list is the M-13 prison in Kampong Chhnang state in central Cambodia. The 3rd memorial site is Choeung Ek, located about 15 kilometres south of Phnom Penh, where executions were carried out and collective graves are located.

The communicative immortalized in the film

The past of crimes committed in these places was portrayed in the 1984 movie "Field of Death". The painting was based on the experiences of photojournalist Dith Pran and American correspondent Sydney Schanberg.

The inclusion of fresh facilities on the UNESCO list coincided with the 50th anniversary of the coming to power of the communist government of Khmer. This government is liable for the death of about 1.7 million Cambodians due to hunger, torture and mass executions between 1975 and 1979.

The Khmer Reds in power

The Khmer Reds occupied Phnom Penh on 17 April 1975 and sent almost the full population of the capital to the country. There they were forced to work in torment. The Khmer Red Governments overturned the invasion from neighboring Vietnam.

"Let these facilities be included in the UNESCO list as a permanent reminder that peace must always be defended. From the darkest pages of past we can draw strength to build a better future for humanity" - said the Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet.

Cambodia on UNESCO list

Previously, the UNESCO list included 4 historical temple complexes in Cambodia. These are Angkor, Preah Vihear, Sambo Prei Kuk and Koh Ker. Now they're joined by the memory of genocide.

(PAP) Note: This article was edited with Artificial Intelligence.