When someone drops bombs on you because you are Khmer, your reaction should not be construed as nationalism; rather, it is survivalism. In the face of unremitting violence, it is natural to fight back. The defense of one’s life, one’s community, and one’s identity within a national group is protected by the Genocide Convention and human rights law.

— Youk Chhang

Director, Documentation Center of Cambodia

August 4, 2025

Sculpture: Cambodian Military Commander with 8 Faces at Anlong Ceng Peace Center by Ly Suy, 2008.