2. WHAT is it? Ultranationalism– extreme devotion to a nation and advocacy of that nation, regardless other nations’ effects Genocide- the wiping out (extermination) of a particular group 1
3. Current law against genocide On December 9th, 1948 the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crime and Genocide was adopted, and established genocide as an international crime in times of both war and peace. It’s definition is limited by the perpetrator's “intent to destroy in whole or part” the characterization of the victim group; and the acts committed. 10
4. RWANDA - Who was involved? Tutsi- 15% of the population - a member of a tall, slender, cattle-raising people of Rwanda & Burundi (More “European” looking than Hutus) Hutu- 85% of the population - a member of a Bantu people living in Rwanda & Burundi 2
5. ULTRANATIONALISM IN RWANDA The Hutus & Tutsis had already been fighting decades before the Genocide … After the Belgians colonized Rwanda, they put the Tutsi’s in power & In 1962 the Hutus took over the Monarch & the Tutsis became a minority
6. 1972 In April, 1972 Hutu police rebelled and killed anyone who refused to join – both Hutus and Tutsis (800 – 1200 killed) The Tutsi President initiated a law that resulted in a mass killing of Hutus (100,000-300,000 killed)
7. What triggered THE GENOCIDE The Rwandan President and the Hutu President of Burundi were shot down from their plane on April 6, 1994. The next day Prime Minister Agathewas assassinated by the Rwandan army There was an announcement in the media – Government initiated – that started the killing itself
8. Over the next 100 days the Rwandan Army and the Hutu Militia went on a killing rampage targeting the Tutsi population
10. HOW people were killed/ tortured Guns, Clubs & Machetes People being torched/cooked in vats of oil Dismembering Genetalia & Other Body Parts People being skinned alive Babies cut from the womb, fried and served Violent Raping of Women 7
11. WHO RESPONED ? Everybody who was in Rwanda started to pull out, most claiming that: “There was no domestic constituency nor compelling foreign policy interest to support action.” The UN intervened after approx. 500,000 people had already been killed 9
12. The RPF In July 1994 the RPF invaded Rwanda in hopes of defeating the Hutu-led government (RPF is the Rwandan Patriotic Front – it is mostly made up of Tutsi refugees)
13. The end of the genocide The RPF succeeded and they took control of Kigali and declared a ceasefire Hutus fled to Zaire and other countries, and many never returned
14. Trials didn’t start until two years later ………………………………. In 1999, over 120,000 citizens were packed into crowded jails
15. Lessons learned: Stop the genocide before it becomes a genocide React quickly & firmly to signs of mass slaughter Pay attention to the media - in cases of genocide, be prepared to stop broadcasts that incite violence Be alert to the impact of negative examples nearby Get accurate information about what is happening 11
16. Lessons learned: Identify and support opponents of the genocide Call it what it is; a genocide & oppose governments involved Impose an arms restriction on genocidal government Press governments that support the genocidal government to change their policy Be prepared to intervene with armed force 11
