I
suppose to understand Cambodia, one must delve into its past a bit.
How do we figure out the spirit and mindset of the people; and why
sex slavery is so prevalent. Why shame and guilt seem to be lacking
when it comes to Human trafficking.
1975 the Khmer Rouge began what would be four years of a radical
revolution against its own people. Through execution, starvation,
disease, and forced labor; they would successfully eliminate an
estimated third of their countries population. The Khmer Rouge
started years before that as a peasant-like revolt, led by a man
known as Pol Pot. They believed that only 1 or 2 million people were
needed to build a new agrarian communist utopia. As for the rest of
the population: “To keep you is no benefit, to destroy you is no
loss.” They also banned all religion and spread out the minority
groups, forbidding them to practice their customs or speak their
language. They evacuated the towns and cities, forcing people into
the countryside. Millions would die of starvation and
government-inflicted overwork. To weed out the unwanted, thousands
were taken in shackles to dig their own graves, after which they were
beaten to death. These were known as the Killing Fields. Pol Pot’s
regime was extremely paranoid and so they created S-21 camps where
they would interrogate “traitors” using torture methods (electric
shock, pulling out toenails, and much worse). “Better to destroy
ten innocent people than let one enemy go free,” was just one of
their many philosphies.
important to note that prostitution was not allowed during the Khmer
Rouge regime; in fact people were tortured if caught in an unmarried
sexual act. This did not stop the soldiers from conducting mass rapes
and gang rapes on women. Hypocrisy? The rules were evaded by accusing
women of being enemies; and thus subject to rape and execution.
Today, few survivors will come forward because of the deep shame
involved. I believe that the Khmer Rouge numbed a country and the
painful remembrance/legacy has created an array of consequences. I
read an interview with Theary Seng, a former child refugee from the
Khmer Rouge. Here is a summary of what she had to say:
Sex
trafficking is an open hidden criminal enterprise. Traffickers roam
freely and openly prey on young children or carouse in open bars and
public gardens. It is easy profit with impunity because of the lax,
corrupt law enforcement. There are also powerful individuals
in law enforcement, military, and government who profit from the
trade.
The
Khmer Rouge imprinted a destructive mentality of helplessness,
amorality (where no longer our conscience pricks us of guilt), a
destructive mentality of violence, and a mentality of dehumanizing
another into an object. They also imprinted a destructive
mentality of exploitation, and a of lack of accountability. This
is why parents can sell their own children and not feel guilty.
The
situation in Cambodia is getting 1000s times worse because of porous
borders; and increased tourism, causing an obscene infusion of money
that wasn’t available before. There is a lack of justice and fairness
between the rural poor and urban rich; and high rates of
unemployment. This also includes a lack of education among a very
traumatized population and social upheavals.
It’s
the Cambodian men and the parents abusing their own; it’s the corrupt
law enforcement officials and military abusing their own. Cambodian
men believe that sleeping with a virgin gives them virility, the
younger the girl the better.
Problems
in Vietnam and Thailand started with the Vietnam War and the large
population of young soldiers. This increased tourism. Problems in
Cambodia started with the presence of 24,000 UN soldiers in the 90s.
Trafficking is a serious symptom of the larger societal problems
plaguing Cambodia.
There
is a mentality of Fear, Repression (repressing), and censorship.
believe the Khmer left more then a legacy of death and scars; they
left the Cambodian people with mentalities that have the power to
affect generations to come. Fear, Shame, Distrust, Depression, Hurt,
Resentment, Defeat, and the fear of it happening again. Is this why
people accept the unacceptable? Why poverty leads them to do crazy
things? Why shame plagues the women for acts beyond their control?
I’ve heard of crazy things that happen in these brothels that, to me,
reflect acts done by the Khmer Rouge. One victim told of the torture
chambers that exist under the brothels. They are underground to
muffle the screams. The torture of choice is: Electric Shock. Another
method is locking them in coffins full of biting ants. These are
found when brothels are torn down. It strikes me as funny how these
methods mirror the regime…… how things just shift to another
victim. It also makes me realize the evil that we are dealing with;
and the mighty importance of being covered by the Holy Spirit. This
is a war we can’t fight without Him!
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
