DNA testing creates an individual profile from about 700.000 of your unique genetic markers. With your unique profile your ancestry and some genetic conditions can be determined, and it can be used to identify relationships with others in the same DNA database. The Reconnecting Cambodia project is only interested in DNA to reunite families.

A DNA test can provide crucial genetic information to potentially match you with lost family members. A test analyzes your genetic profile to generate an ethnicity estimate and a "match list" of people with whom you share DNA.

To reunite families we need to increase the demand for DNA testing among Cambodians. This will expand the Khmer DNA pool, resulting in more accurate matches and a greater chance of finding close relatives. We are building our own informational database of participating families, and add the DNA profile of our participants in several commercial DNA databases for matching. Our access to these databases is our greatest genealogical asset, allowing us to match you with millions who have tested globally.

Yes, anyone of Cambodian or part-Cambodian ethnicity can apply for a test to join our Reconnecting Cambodia project.

If you are of Cambodian origin and ethnicity, you can apply for a free DNA test by contacting us here and click on the relevant choice for you. Our preferred DNA testing company is MyHeritage, our main sponsor.

No problem - for free, it is possible to transfer your RAW DNA files into other DNA company databases - though not all. If you send us your downloaded files and have filled in a consent form here, we will upload and manage them to our MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA and Gedmatch accounts, to access millions of other potential matches. You will be able to view your newly created profiles. Ideally, you want to be on every database if you are searching for someone. You have to buy separate test kits from Ancestry and 23andMe to access their databases. Alternatively email us with any questions at info@reconnectingcambodia.org

If you have consented to the Reconnecting Cambodia project to manage your DNA profile or upload your RAW DNA profiles into our accounts with MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA and Gedmatch, we will contact you when the results are ready. We will invite you to view your newly generated DNA profile, help you interpret the information and guide you through the next steps. The advantage of being a member of our project, is that we check for new matches regularly, facilitate any contact to protect you with anyone wanting to get in touch, and ultimately, make sure you are appropriately supported throughout the process of a reunion.

Click here for a more detailed explanation of the process.

There are a lot of misunderstandings about what commercial DNA testing companies can and cannot do with your DNA sample. We feel confident with the level of privacy afforded by the companies we are using, keeping in mind that you shed DNA daily as you go about your day to day life. We ask that you read the terms of service for the company whose kit we provide. You can find our main sponsor MyHeritage’s here. If you are at all uncomfortable with the terms, do not proceed with testing. If you prefer, you can test under a pseudonym or initials to remain anonymous. Book a consultation with us if you prefer at info@reconnectingcambodia.org.

We take privacy very seriously. Information about applicants and participants will not be shared with any 3rd party outside our DNA family (Reconnecting Cambodia, DNACambodia and KFCO (all operating under local country law and regulations) and all details will remain strictly confidential.

See also our Privacy Policy here.

Safeguarding your wellbeing is our top priority. We work closely with partner organizations and trauma experts, with the aim to provide the necessary emotional and psychological support throughout your search and during reunion aftercare.

Your DNA is your DNA. We, the Reconnecting Cambodia project, only manage your DNA data after you have given your permission via the consent form. We assert no rights to your DNA. Participating members can request to see how the data is used, and request deletion of their DNA profile from the project at any time by contacting us at info@reconnectingcambodia.org.

Please read our Privacy Policy for more info about how your data is used here.

The Reconnecting Cambodia project consists of Reconnecting Cambodia (UK), DNACambodia (Netherlands), and KFCO (Cambodia). We are a family tracing service using DNA testing for the only purpose of reuniting Cambodian families globally, who have been separated by war, genocide, poverty and adoption.

See here for consent explained in more detail when you receive a free test, gifted to us by MyHeritage.

See here for MyHeritage’s Informed Consent you agree to, when you give the Reconnecting Cambodia project consent to process and manage your DNA sample and data generated.