The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once a high school before becoming Security Prison 21 (S-21) during the Khmer Rouge regime, now stands as a powerful reminder of Cambodia’s tragic past and the resilience of its people.
On March 4, 2025, UNESCO, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Football Federation of Cambodia, organized a special visit for the Under-18 National Football Team. Supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) under the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Archives Preservation and Digitization Phase II (PEACE Project), the initiative aimed to educate young athletes on the importance of historical truth, the role of archives in combating misinformation, and the power of sports in peacebuilding.
During the visit, the players learned about the brutal conditions at Tuol Sleng, where prisoners were forced to perform physical exercises—not for training or health, but as a form of torture and control. Among those imprisoned and executed at S-21 were physical education teachers and sports enthusiasts, highlighting how fundamental human rights, including access to education and sports, were stripped away during this dark chapter of history.
The experience served as a stark reminder that sports extend beyond competition and entertainment. They embody human dignity, empathy, and justice. By preserving and digitizing historical archives, institutions like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum ensure that these stories remain accessible, helping future generations understand the past and counter misinformation.
Mr. Sardar Umar Alam, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative, stressed the importance of historical awareness for young leaders, stating:
“Well-informed societies are built on knowledge. Empowering our youth with the truth of the past paves the way for understanding, reconciliation, and lasting peace.”
Through this initiative, UNESCO and its partners reinforced the idea that education—whether through archives or sports—plays a crucial role in shaping a more informed and compassionate generation. By integrating historical awareness into youth development programs, Cambodia is taking meaningful steps to ensure that its history is neither forgotten nor repeated.
As one of the young footballers put it: “A great footballer sees beyond the present moment—just as archives help us understand the past to build a better future.”
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