Reaction to YouTube Video About the Recovery From the Genocide

This video focuses primarily on Rwanda's recovery and an interview with a member of the United Nations and his thoughts on the heinous crimes which were committed by the genocide. One of the main opinions expressed by United Nations member, Francis Deng, was that it was saddening that there was a large global response after the genocide, but that during the genocide virtually nothing was done. I find it shocking that I genocide could kill nearly a million people in 100 days and that virtually none of the countries in the world were there to help Rwanda in what may have been its darkest hour. I personally find it to be upsetting that as soon as the genocide in Rwanda ended many countries began to help because they suddenly had very little to lose by helping the Rwandans. Many of these countries claimed that they either didn’t know what was going on, weren’t able to get troops there to help, or they admitted they wouldn’t send troops to Rwanda because they had nothing to gain and a lot to lose. Throughout the genocide the ICRC continued to help every Rwandan who needed attention and risked their lives to help the Rwandans overcome the injustices they suffered.

To me one of the most important points which was made in this video is that because not many people will be convicted of genocide that many Rwandans will feel that justice was not dispensed and may want to take revenge. This genocide could unfortunately cause another and repeat in a vicious cycle until members of the global community decide that things like this should no longer be aloud to happen and step in to help stop the fighting. In order to end the cycle there need to be more groups like the ICRC in order to prevent genocides around the world and to come to the aid of the injured when they do occur.