McCollum Honors Cambodian Genocide Victims

Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov

Washington, DC – In remembrance of the Cambodian genocide, which lasted from April 1975 to January 1979, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) cosponsored a Congressional resolution honoring the victims and their families. The Honoring the Victims of the Cambodian Genocide resolution (H.Res.225) – sponsored by Congresswoman Laura Richardson (CA-37) – provides healing to the survivors and their families and advocates for continuing efforts to pursue justice.

"Minnesota has a tradition of welcoming refugees, including over four thousand Cambodians who have built new lives here," said Congresswoman McCollum. "Representing these refugees is an honor. Although the Khmer Rouge's atrocities should never be forgotten, the Honoring the Victims of the Cambodian Genocide resolution will help to bring a measure of closure and justice to the victims."

After capturing Cambodia's capital Phnom Pehn, the Khmer Rouge murdered two million Cambodians over four years – close to 25 percent of the population. The Khmer Rouge established concentration camps where innocent women, men, and children were forced to work under strenuous and inhumane conditions. Many were tortured and executed.

Today, there are over 240,000 Cambodians living in the United States. Minnesota is proud to be the home of 4,000 of these Cambodian Americans who enrich our community.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.

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