Today, April 7, 2021, marks the 27th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Between April and July 1994, over one million innocent Tutsi were killed while the international community looked away.
As Linda Melvern wrote (https://www.newtimes.co.rw/opinions/survivors-genocide-crime-without-end), for survivors, the Genocide is a crime without an end. Especially the popularly continued and even rising genocide denial is a neverending offence to survivors.
As friends of Rwanda, journalists & researchers, and simply members of global society, it is our duty to remember, to stand up against denial, and to defend the truth. This conversation is one attempt at it.

We talk with JONATHAN BELOFF, PhD, about
- the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi (min. 0-14)
- understanding Rwandan decision-making & discourse (political and societal)shaped by its genocidal history (min. 14-25);
- the case of Paul Rusesabagina & the movie "Hotel Rwanda" (min. 25-38);
- the rise of genocide denial and ideology in- and outside of Rwanda (min. 38-47);
- what everyone can do to fight genocide denial & where to inform yourselves (min. 47-end).

You can follow Jonathan on Twitter: @JewswithRwanda and find information about his publications on his website: https://jonathanrbeloff.com/.

We hope that this conversation gave you interesting insight into such an important topic and that you can now stand up in an informed way against Genocide denial!

E4-kwibuka

S1-E4: Kwibuka27 - Fighting Genocide Denial

Eritrea, the often overlooked neighbour of Sudan and Ethiopia, has been considered one of Africa’s most authoritarian states for most of its short independent history since 1993. Arbitrary detentions, executions and forced labour under the guise of indefinite mandatory military service for all have driven hundreds of thousands of Eritreans to flee the country. But along the arduous route through Sudan and Northern Africa, many refugees are subject to even more abuses, with few they can turn to for help.

One of those they can turn to, however, is Meron Estefanos, one of the most prolific voices for the rights of Eritrean refugees and exiles. In this podcast, Meron speaks with us about the situation in Eritrea, the terrible things many refugees go through and what it means to be an advocate for those that are mostly unheard on the international stage.

RECOMMENDED DOCUMENTARIES:
*Undercover: Africa's Secret State* / *Escaping Eritrea* (2021)
By Evan Williams for Frontline Series and Dispatches

A rare and powerful look inside Eritrea, one of the most tightly controlled countries on earth, highlighting the voices of people who have endured unimaginable repression and hardship
Available online on Channel 4 (free account required), German- and French-language version available on Arte.tv (regional restrictions apply)

*Sound of Torture* (2013)
By Keren Shayo
The film intimately follows our interview partner Meron Estefanos in her daily life and work, calling Eritrean refugees held hostage in torture camps.
Available on Amazon Prime or Netflix in certain locations, can be purchased on YouTube

FURTHER SOURCES:
*Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea - reports* (2015/2016)
The reports of the COI on Eritrea represent one of the most comprehensive sources about the scope of human rights abuses committed by the Eritrean government.
The full reports, including sources and documentation, are available online on the website of the UN Human Rights Council. (https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/CoIEritrea/Pages/commissioninquiryonhrinEritrea.aspx)

© cover photograph: Sinai desert, Gan-Shmuel Archive (via PikiWiki)

20,000$ for a life: Eritreans between slavery at home & torture on refugee routes (S2-E1)

New season: insights into forgotten conflicts & humanitarian crises
(Prev. season: connecting the dots of local news & global perspectives) - produced & hosted by Louisa & Nils

S1-E4: Kwibuka27 - Fighting Genocide Denial

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