Aftermath and International Response
Ramifications:
Justice + Reconciliation: "If there is to be reconciliation, first there must be truth." - Timothy B Tyson 2004
Noteworthy Examples/Sources:
Bill Clinton Remarks Mar 1998:
- Severe Poverty; 45% of the population live in poverty with an income of less than $1.50 per day
- Poor Economy: extremely low levels of human and physical capital. However, has led to growth of up to 8% over the last ten years supported by foreign investment and ongoing international aid. Yet is this the appeasement of guilt of the international community or a genuine desire to aid the Rwandan population. Dallaire stated: “This world body (UN) aided and abetted genocide in Rwanda. No amount of cash and aid will ever wash its hands clean of Rwandan blood”
- Refugee Crisis: 2-3 million refugees fleeing to nearby countries - Democ. Rep. Congo, Uganda, Tanzania
- "the messiest and most complex humanitarian operation in modern history"
Justice + Reconciliation: "If there is to be reconciliation, first there must be truth." - Timothy B Tyson 2004
- International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR): Formed in late 1994, however as little as 6 judges and 10 lawyers survived the genocide, so this process was extremely difficult. Due to the large prison population of over 120,000, the Rwandan government complemented the ICTR with the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission and decided to adapt the traditional Gacaca community justice system; these courts tried about two million cases during the 10-year period before officially closing in 2012.
- Paul Kagame: "There can be no durable reconciliation as long as those who are responsible for the massacres are not properly tried"
- Key Achievements: First convictions for rape as a crime against humanity. Former Prime Minister Jean Kambanda sentenced to life imprisonment. "Jean Kambanda abused his authrity and the trust of the population. Nor has he expressed contrition, regret, or sympathy for the victims in Rwanda even when given the opportunity". Pauline Nyiramusuhuko
Noteworthy Examples/Sources:
Bill Clinton Remarks Mar 1998:
- Strong impact as US is the leader of the free world
- Admits to and apologises for the international community’s failure to respond quickly
- Suggestion of continuing need for international support for Rwanda
- Hard to know how much they’ve learnt from this and how they will respond to future conflict
- Helen Mirren
- Plea for aid and humanitarian support for refugees - water , health facilities, food, shelter, cooking facilities
- “Children will die unless they get more help”
- Focus on the innocent, and children
- Emergency Appeal Committee - international NGO's, no government
- No discussion of government, perpetrators or victims