About
The Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization, duly recognized under Internal Revenue Service code as an active 501(c)(3) organization in the United States, with a headquarters in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and 19 associated offices or sites in Cambodia that have been officially recognized by the Cambodian Ministry of Interior.
DC-Cam was founded in 1995, as an adjunct of Yale University, pursuant to the Cambodian Genocide Justice Act of 1994, Public Law 103–236, for purposes of collecting relevant data on the crimes of genocide and other atrocity crimes committed by the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979). In 1997, DC-Cam became an independent legal entity recognized under both Cambodian and U.S. law, with a core mission to collect, preserve, and raise public awareness of the history of the Khmer Rouge regime.
DC-Cam has received numerous accolades and awards for its work in support of memory and justice for victims of the Cambodian genocide. In 2017 alone, DC-Cam was the honored recipients of the Judith Lee Stronach Human Rights Award from the Center for Justice and Accountability, and his Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni made Youk Chhang a Commander of the Royal Order of Cambodia in recognition of Chhang’s distinguished services to the Kingdom of Cambodia. In 2018, DC-Cam also was a winner of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards, which is regarded as ‘Asia’s Nobel’ prize, for preserving historical memory for healing and justice.
Survivors' Stories
Stories from Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge Genocide Survivors under Democratic Kampuchea of Pol Pot, 1975-1979.
“Although two million were killed, five million survived to tell their story.”
Remembering Cambodia’s youngest fallen soldier — At just 19, Sam Sokongchat gave his life defending Cambodia, becoming a symbol of selfless heroism and quiet sacrifice amid war. On July 26, 2025, Sam Sokongchat was severely wounded and lost his life in combat. He died on the Ta Krabei front-line on July 26, 2025. Sam Sokongchat was a brave young soldier, born on December 4, 2006, in Tuol Prasat village, Bak Anloung commune, Trapeang Prasat District, Oddar Meanchey Province.
