Expressing support for the designation of April 17, 2025, as "Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day" to remember the horrific slaughter of almost 2,000,000 Cambodian people at the hand of the Khmer Rouge regime.
This is a non-binding House of Representatives resolution expressing support for designating April 17, 2025, as Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day. The resolution commemorates the Cambodian Genocide carried out by the Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot, starting with the fall of Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975 and continuing for about four years, during which nearly 2,000,000 Cambodians were killed or subjected to starvation and torture. The document recognizes that roughly one-fourth of Cambodia’s population died, notes that 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the genocide’s beginning, and highlights the role of Cambodian communities and the diaspora in seeking recognition in the United States. It directs the President to issue a proclamation urging observance of the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and it affirms U.S. values related to remembrance, resilience, and democratic freedom. In short, the bill is a symbolic, ceremonial gesture aimed at elevating awareness and remembrance of the Cambodian genocide in the United States, while encouraging reflection on its history and legacy and acknowledging the work of Cambodian American communities.
Key Points
- 1Designation: The resolution supports designating April 17, 2025, as Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day in the United States.
- 2Historical context: It recalls that April 17, 1975, marks the fall of Phnom Penh and the start of the genocide, which lasted about four years and resulted in almost 2,000,000 deaths, including about one-fourth of Cambodia’s population.
- 3Recognition of communities and milestones: The resolution notes the contributions and resilience of Cambodian communities in the United States and mentions prior local proclamations (in Lowell, Los Angeles, and Long Beach in 2019) and a Massachusetts state proclamation in 2023 recognizing Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day.
- 4House commitments: It states that the House supports the principles and values of Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day, acknowledges the Cambodian diaspora’s efforts, and encourages reflection on the genocide’s history and legacy.
- 5Presidential action requested: The resolution asks the President to issue a proclamation urging Americans to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.