In Democratic Kampuchea’s Region 31, the Khmer Rouge recruited children to serve as guards, “catchers,” and animal husbandry workers in Tuol Sleng Prison (S-21). This monograph explores how these and other Cambodian youth were forced to become Khmer Rouge cadres, how they were indoctrinated in the ideology of Democratic Kampuchea, how they were affected, and the violation of their rights.
The authors used Khmer Rouge biographies and interviews with 73 people to collect information on these youths. Eighteen of those interviewed were Khmer Rouge cadres at S-21, 22 are family members of deceased S-21 cadres, and 33 are survivors of the regime. The authors conclude that these children were victims as well as perpetrators.
Funding provided by the Human Rights Project Funds of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom through the British Embassy, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and the Government of Norway.
