Monday, April 07, 2008

Commemorating Rwanda

Today is the 14th anniversary of the first day of the genocide in Rwanda. In just 100 days nearly 1 million people were murdered. The victims were mostly Tutsis, but there were many Hutus who stood up against the genocide murdered as well.

In 1994 the international community, despite the pleas of UN commander on the ground Romeo Dallaire, stood by and did nothing to stop the frenzy of violence.

The genocide is not over though. Approximately 21,000 survivors are still without shelter, women and girls raped are being denied justice and are dying of AIDS, and doubts exist over the role of the gacaca (local courts)and their ability to deliver justice.

We must remember the victims of the genocide in Rwanda, and use these memories to push our government about tackling genocide in Darfur and Burma.

Useful Links

Survivors' Fund
Hope Survivors Foundation
Romeo Dallaire Speech

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