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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CAMBODIAN GENOCIDE
WHEREAS, April 17, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian Genocide, during which the Khmer Rouge regime, led by Pol Pot, orchestrated a brutal campaign of forced labor, starvation, and mass executions, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1.7 to 2 million people between 1975 and 1979; and
WHEREAS, the Cambodian Genocide, one of the darkest chapters in human history, led to the near-total destruction of Cambodia's intellectual, cultural, and civic institutions, leaving survivors deeply scarred by trauma and loss; and
WHEREAS, following the genocide, thousands of Cambodian refugees resettled in the United States, including the greater Chicagoland area, seeking safety, opportunity, and the chance to rebuild their lives; and
WHEREAS, Skokie has a history of welcoming refugees and immigrants, providing a home to those fleeing persecution, including Holocaust survivors, Cambodian genocide survivors, and other displaced peoples from around the world; and
WHEREAS, the Cambodian American community in Cook County has made significant contributions to the cultural, economic, and civic life of the county, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of historical trauma and embodying the values of hard work, family, and community engagement; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, Skokie made history by electing Khemarey Khoeun, the first Cambodian American woman to public office in the United States, a testament to the strength, perseverance, and leadership of the Cambodian American community; and
WHEREAS, the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian Genocide is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of justice, remembrance, and education, ensuring that future generations understand the lessons of history and remain vigilant against hatred, authoritarianism, and genocide; and
WHEREAS, Cook County Government stands in solidarity with Cambodian genocide survivors, their descendants, and all those working to preserve the memory of those lost while promoting healing and recognition for those who have endured unimaginable hardship;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Cook County Board formally recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian Genocide, honors the victims and survivors, and reaffirms its commitment to being a community that welcomes refugees, upholds human rights, and values the contributions of all its residents; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Cook County Government encourages residents to engage in learning, reflection, and remembrance through educational programs, community discussions, and cultural events that highlight the history, resilience, and contributions of the Cambodian American community.
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