How Can We Learn from Rwanda's Genocide to Prevent Future Atrocities?

What you need to know

• Rwandan scholars are now leading research on the 1994 genocide, providing crucial local insights.
• Studying genocide requires a multidisciplinary approach, spanning social sciences, biology, economics, and more.
• Listening to and elevating survivors’ voices is essential for understanding and preventing future atrocities.

Understanding Genocide: A Complex Challenge

Genocide, defined as the intentional destruction of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, is one of the most horrific acts humans can commit against one another. The 1994 genocide in Rwanda, where around 800,000 Tutsi were killed by Hutu militia and citizens in just 100 days, stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when the international community fails to intervene in such crises.

Studying genocide is an incredibly challenging task. Researchers grapple with difficult questions, such as understanding how wars and violence can escalate to genocidal acts. This complexity requires a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together experts from fields as diverse as political science, anthropology, biology, economics, history, law, medicine, and sociology.

The Importance of Local Researchers

One of the most significant developments in the study of the Rwandan genocide has been the re-establishment and support of the country’s academic community. For many years, research on the atrocity was primarily conducted by scholars from other countries. However, it is crucial to support and elevate the voices of Rwandan researchers, as they bring unique insights and perspectives to this sensitive topic.

The Research, Policy and Higher Education programme, launched by the UK-based charity Aegis Trust, is an excellent example of an initiative supporting Rwandan scholars. This program invites local researchers to submit proposals and provides them with external support to help get their work published in international venues. The resulting studies are collected in the Genocide Research Hub, creating a valuable resource for understanding the long-term impacts of the genocide.

The Impact of Local Research on Policy

The involvement of Rwandan scholars in genocide research has already influenced national policies. For instance, Munyurangabo Benda, a Rwandan philosopher of religion, investigated feelings of guilt among children of Hutu perpetrators born after the genocide. His work contributed to the expansion of a nationwide reconciliation program, demonstrating the practical impact that locally-led research can have on healing and rebuilding efforts.

Centering Survivors’ Voices

While much of the initial focus after atrocities is often on perpetrators and securing justice, it is crucial to listen to and elevate the voices of survivors. Their testimonies and experiences provide invaluable insights into the long-term effects of genocide and the needs of affected communities.

Noam Schimmel, a scholar of international studies and human rights, points out that much of the research on the Rwandan genocide has neglected the testimonies of survivors, particularly women. Providing survivors with opportunities to share their perspectives and experiences – whether through literature, research, or journalism – can help overcome isolation and marginalization while improving their well-being and welfare.

The Far-Reaching Effects of Trauma

The impact of genocide extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of the event. Researchers studying the Rwandan genocide have discovered that the trauma experienced by survivors has left marks on their DNA, which can be passed down to their children. This phenomenon, known as intergenerational trauma, poses ongoing challenges for mental health services in Rwanda and other societies affected by mass atrocities.

Understanding and addressing intergenerational trauma is crucial for long-term healing and prevention efforts. By studying how trauma is transmitted across generations, researchers can develop more effective interventions and support systems for affected communities.

Learning from Rwanda to Prevent Future Atrocities

As conflicts and potential genocides continue to unfold around the world, the lessons learned from studying the Rwandan genocide are invaluable. Some key takeaways include:

1. Support local researchers: Empowering scholars from affected countries to lead research efforts provides deeper insights and more nuanced understanding of the context and consequences of genocide.

2. Elevate survivors’ voices: Prioritizing the testimonies and experiences of survivors, especially those from marginalized groups, is essential for comprehensive understanding and effective healing processes.

3. Adopt a multidisciplinary approach: Genocide studies require insights from various fields, including social sciences, biology, economics, and more. Collaboration across disciplines can lead to more holistic understanding and prevention strategies.

4. Address intergenerational trauma: Recognizing and studying the long-term effects of trauma on survivors and their descendants is crucial for developing effective mental health interventions and support systems.

5. Focus on early warning signs: By studying the factors that led to the Rwandan genocide, researchers can help identify early warning signs of potential atrocities in other contexts, potentially preventing future tragedies.

Conclusions

• The study of genocide, while challenging, is crucial for preventing future atrocities and supporting survivors.
• Empowering local researchers and elevating survivors’ voices are essential for gaining deeper insights into the causes and consequences of genocide.
• Addressing intergenerational trauma and adopting a multidisciplinary approach are key to developing effective prevention and healing strategies.

By learning from the Rwandan genocide and supporting ongoing research efforts, we can work towards a world where such atrocities are less likely to occur. While we may still be far from having all the answers, greater knowledge and understanding can only help shine more light on this darkest of human behaviors, potentially preventing future tragedies and supporting healing in affected communities.