It sounds like a beautiful place, and an example of the re-emergence of a peaceful life after a time of atrocities.
Seth Mydans reported as a foreign and national correspondent for The New York Times and its sister publication, The International Herald Tribune, from 1983 to 2012.
He continues to contribute to The Times.
BAK NIM VILLAGE, BORDER OF KAMPOT AND TAKEO PROVINCES — With time, humans and landscapes heal, though the latter faster than the former. Yesterday’s war zones and sites of atrocities can quickly become overtaken by foliage, trees, and nature’s beauty—utterly erasing the history of mass atrocities. In a recent visit to a small village, the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam)’s youth volunteers remarked at the stark difference between the dark past and the present beauty of the community they visited. But human memory can be more resilient and survivors provide an important lesson for future generations on the fragility of human affairs. Giving youth the opportunity to learn is not only preserving memory and justice; it is building a better future.
For more information, please contact:
PHAT CHANSONETA
Writer, Searching for the Truth
Documentation Center of Cambodia
e: truthchansoneta.p@dccam.org
t: +855 (0) 96 33 222 76
Photo credit: Youk Chhang
English text: Chey Chansineth and Lim Iphing
Bak Nim village is nestled in the lush greenery of Cambodia's countryside—surrounded by rolling hills and towering palm trees. The landscape is dotted with traditional Khmer homes made of wood and bamboo, and there are rice fields as far as the eye can see. The nearby river provides a source of water for irrigation and transportation, and it also offers a peaceful spot for fishing or taking a leisurely boat ride. Visitors to Bak Nim Village can enjoy the natural beauty of Cambodia's countryside. Visitors can sample delicious local foods and explore the rich cultural heritage of the Khmer people. During a recent trip to the small village, the youth volunteers from the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam) observed a noticeable contrast between the village's dark past and its current beauty. However, it is important to note that the survivors of difficult times can provide valuable insights to future generations about the precariousness of human affairs. By providing young people with the opportunity to learn, we not only preserve historical memory and promote justice, but we also lay the foundation for a brighter future.
