Even though the genocide had finally ended, the lives of the people of Cambodia were still being affected by it. For example, many people were left widows or young children left as orphans; others struggled with mental issues or other health issues due to the lack of medical care during this time. Thousands of Cambodians left their country and became refugees. Rebuilding the country of Cambodia was the most difficult for them, they went several years without medical care, teachers, or other educated professionals because they were all killed during the genocide. The remaining Khmer Rouge leaders fled into China and Thailand to reestablish their forces. The Khmer Rouge was lead by Pol Pot until he died in 1998 of natural causes. The group existed until 1999 when finally all the leaders were defeated and were arrested or