Ung is perhaps one of the best-known genocide survivors. Her national best-selling book "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" has been published internationally and can
even be found throughout Cambodia. The book is a memoir of her family's experience of the Khmer Rouge era.
She lost both parents and two siblings in the genocide, and was forced to work as a child soldier in labor camps at a young age. Ung and her older brother escaped Cambodia in 1980 before being sponsored by a church in Burlington, Vt.
Ung worked for the Campaign for a Landmine-Free World and continues to spread awareness of the genocide by speaking to numerous universities and organizations. Below is a phone interview with Ung:
Have you forgiven the Khmer Rouge? "I don't know what forgiven means," Ung said. "It's a loaded word. It's not that I forgive or forget. I try not to dwell on it and instead use positive energy."
"I try to turn anger into passion, which turns into justice."
What was your perception of humanity at the time of the war?
"In my life, I have seen the worst of humanity and I've seen the best of humanity. We must understand that it's hard enough growing up a conscious human being in any culture."
Where do you get the inspiration to educate others about such a painful period of your life?
"You must see the miracles in your life and go on. The war has taught me life. What happened in the genocide breaks my heart, but it doesn't break me. I'm doing something to help those who have been hurt. "
What is the most important thing you have learned from the genocide?
"Peace is not an automatic. Peace is something you commit to- something you strategize. You have to ask yourself, what have you done for peace?"
.........................Visit Ung's website: http://loungung.com and learn more.
............. .....................................................................................................................................................images from Loung Ung
