Why children in Cambodia need your help

A history of ongoing civil war and unrest has left the landscape of Cambodia scarred with landmines - resulting in thousands of disabilities among children.
Infant mortality rates are amongst the highest in Asia, and more than one-third of families live below the poverty line. Diseases which can be prevented through immunisation programs are the leading cause of death among children.
Cambodia is also a hub for people trafficking, with the country used as a source, destination and transit point for men, women and children trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labour.

Country facts

During a three-year period beginning in 1975, an estimated 1.7 million people were killed or died from forced hardships under the Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot. The regime was toppled in 1979 when opposition forces took control of the capital Phnom Penh, however, a decade of civil strife followed as the Khmer Rouge resumed guerilla warfare.
Only since 1998 has some measure of peace prevailed, with the formation of a new coalition government and renewed political stability. The government has also been working with the United Nations to set up a tribunal to try those involved in the genocide of Cambodians. The tribunal commenced in 2007 and testimony is currently being heard.
During the past 10 years, development initiatives have resulted in improving the quality of life of many Cambodians. However, much remains to be done.

• Population: 14 million
• Capital: Phnom Penh
• Major languages: Khmer (official) 95%, French, English, Indigenous languages
• Major religions: Buddhism, Islam
• Life expectancy: 61 years