On 22 May 2014, the Public Affairs Section went on an outreach mission to Kampong Speu province. The outreach team visited local communities and four high schools where they were able to talk to the students about their knowledge of the Khmer Rouge trials and ask them questions about their understanding of the process. The students also shared personal stories about their families during the regime and their hopes for the future.
 | “I did not know about the ECCC before but I heard about Duch [Kaing Guek Eav] on television. We have talked a little bit about the Khmer Rouge at school but it is nice to get more information from the booklet. I don’t necessarily hear about what is happening except for what is said on the radio or on television so I like when people come to tell us about our history.” Sok Davin, 17 years old, Grade 12 – Kampong Speu (photo credit: Lorena Rodriguez Alvarez) |
 | “I heard about the ECCC on the radio. I also heard the broadcasting of the trials of the leaders and some things about the financial support. I know the names of Ieng Sary, Khieu Samphan and Duch because I heard them before. I think it is important to have these trials in order to find justice for the victims. It is important to find out the truth and to know what really happened. Why did the Khmer Rouge commit these crimes? I discuss with my parents when we listen to the radio, and they recall what happened to them during the regime. They were victims of the forced movement and forced labour. They even participated in helping to bury the bodies of the dead people. When I think about justice I ask the question: what’s the truth? We rarely talk about the Khmer Rouge with my friends but older generations discuss it. I think the youth should listen to older generations, and ask questions because we don’t understand what happened. Why were people hungry? Why did they have to steal? And our parents tell us why!” Sim Sokront, 19 years old – Sokha Phanny high school (photo credit: Lorena Rodriguez Alvarez) |
More than 5,000 copies of the ECCC’s booklet explaining the role of the ECCC and the current caseload were distributed. During the mission. A more comprehensive account will be featured in the June issue of the monthly newsletter The Court Report.