蜜芽传媒

Fifty years ago the fall of Cambodia鈥檚 capital, Phnom Penh, to the Khmer Rouge sparked a modern-day genocide that saw millions murdered in just four years. Today, a group that was almost entirely destroyed in the bloodshed is working both in person and online to heal the wounds that are still keenly felt. Religious practice was effectively outlawed under the Khmer Rouge and Buddhist monks were viciously targeted by the regime. By the time the genocide came to an end all but 3,000, of the country's 60,000 monks had been murdered.

Now, still seen as the heart of Cambodian society, they're being mobilised to spread a message of non-violence across the country. This Heart & Soul follows them through towns, in temples and on TikTok as they reach out to all generations, changing behaviour born out of horrific violence. The 鈥淧agoda Program鈥� developed by The Ministry of Cults and Religions and UNICEF, has mobilised more than 1500 monks across 5 provinces.

They are passing on their knowledge to grandparents, parents and children themselves, disseminating the peace-giving words of Dharma and a message of compassion on TikTok. The programme is providing monks an opportunity to talk to people about sensitive issues and address the harmful social norms of violence against children. In a country where 1 in every 2 children have experienced violence, the work of Cambodia鈥檚 monks in the temples and on TikTok to change a culture born out of genocide is crucial.

This programme contains descriptions of genocide and violence against children.

Sound design: Rowan Bishop
Producer: Alex Baxter
Presenter: Phatry Derek Pan
A 2 Degrees West production

(Photo: Ven. Monk Sator Toch. Credit: Sengly An)