Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum facts for kids

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is an important museum in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. It teaches visitors about the terrible events of the Cambodian genocide. This was a very sad time in Cambodia's history. The museum building used to be a secondary school. But from 1975 to 1979, a group called the Khmer Rouge used it as a secret prison. They called it Security Prison 21 (or S-21).

During those years, from 1976 to 1979, about 20,000 people were held prisoner at Tuol Sleng. The exact number is not known. The name "Tuol Sleng" means "Hill of the Poisonous Trees." It can also mean "Strychnine Hill." Tuol Sleng was one of at least 150 places where the Khmer Rouge tortured and killed people.

In 2010, the person in charge of Tuol Sleng Prison, named Kang Kek Iew (also known as Duch), was found guilty. He was sent to prison for the rest of his life.

What Was the Khmer Rouge?

The Khmer Rouge was a group that took control of Cambodia in 1975. They wanted to create a new kind of society. They forced people to leave cities and work on farms. They also tried to get rid of anyone they thought was an enemy. This included educated people, doctors, and teachers. Many people died from hard work, hunger, or illness. Others were killed.

Life Under the Khmer Rouge

Life for people in Cambodia was very hard during this time. Families were often separated. People were not allowed to own private property. They could not practice their religion. The Khmer Rouge controlled everything. They wanted everyone to follow their rules without question.

Tuol Sleng: A Secret Prison

Tuol Sleng was a school before the Khmer Rouge took over. They turned the classrooms into small prison cells. They also built walls and fences to keep people inside. Barbed wire was put around the building. This made it impossible for prisoners to escape.

Who Was Imprisoned at S-21?

Many different people were brought to S-21. Some were former government workers. Others were soldiers or teachers. Even families, including children, were sometimes imprisoned. The Khmer Rouge believed these people were against their new society.

Life Inside S-21

Prisoners at S-21 faced terrible conditions. They were often tortured to make them confess to crimes they did not commit. They were given very little food. Many prisoners died from torture, disease, or starvation. The prison kept detailed records of its prisoners. They took photos of everyone who entered. These photos are now on display at the museum.

The Museum Today

After the Khmer Rouge fell in 1979, the prison was discovered. It was turned into a museum to remember what happened there. The museum shows the cells and torture rooms. It also displays photos of the victims. This helps people understand the history of the Cambodian genocide.

Why Visit Tuol Sleng?

Visiting Tuol Sleng is a powerful experience. It helps people learn about a very sad part of history. It reminds us about the importance of human rights. It also shows us what can happen when extreme groups gain power. The museum helps make sure that such terrible events are never forgotten.

Images for kids

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  Waterboard displayed at Tuol Sleng. Prisoners' legs were shackled to the bar on the right, their wrists were restrained to the brackets on the left and hot water was poured over their face using the blue watering can.

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  Most of the school rooms were divided into cells

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  Razor wire around the perimeter

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  Mugshots of prisoners on display

See also

In Spanish: Tuol Sleng para niños