Members of the Anti-Genocide Parliamentary Forum (AGPF) launched a nationwide tour on February 13, to assess efforts to combat genocide ideology and challenges hindering its eradication.
Their first stop was Mugombwa Sector in Gisagara District, where they engaged with locals in a discussion about the issues in the fight against genocide ideology and potential solutions.
The tour, which will cover nine more districts, namely Rwamagana, Bugesera, Gicumbi, Rulindo, Nyamagabe, Kirehe, Ngororero, Rubavu, and Nyamasheke, follows a similar initiative conducted last December when AGPF visited six districts previously flagged for issues related to violence against survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
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In an interview with The New Times, AGPF President, Senator Jean-Pierre Dusingizemungu said the tour seeks to evaluate Rwanda’s progress in implementing the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide commonly known as the Genocide Convention.
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Dusingizemungu highlighted the need to enhance the reintegration programme for individuals convicted of genocide crimes. He stressed the importance of preparing communities for the return of these individuals, proposing structured dialogues to facilitate their reintegration.
"We need to revisit how those convicted for their role in the Genocide against the Tutsi are reintegrated. Communities should be informed about their return to foster smoother adaptation,” Dusingizemungu said.
"Additionally, there is a need for inmates to undergo proper reintegration preparation before their release,” he stated.
Dusingizemungu suggested the establishment of internal committees among released convicts to provide peer guidance and prevent relapse into genocidal ideology.
He pointed out that some released convicts who had never admitted to their crimes may continue to hold on extremist views and are often linked to recent violent incidents against genocide survivors.
"We also face a challenge where a person is released from prison, relocates to another area, but still maintains contact with former neighbors and influences them negatively,” he added.
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The lawmakers observed that while many have served their sentences, some have failed to change their mindset which lead to violent acts targeting genocide survivors.
"With a growing number of people completing their sentences, it is crucial for Rwandans to come together and find new solutions. For instance, leveraging community structures like Isibo (village-level groupings) and community council can help create dialogue with convicts and prepare them for reintegration,” he suggested.
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Genocide survivors, many of whom have had their property damaged or destroyed, are also encouraged to participate in these reintegration efforts.
The parliamentary forum noted that strengthening community engagement will play a significant role in breaking the cycle of hatred and fostering national unity.
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At the conclusion of the tour, all gathered information related to challenges in preventing genocide ideology and fostering national unity will be analyzed by the parliament.
The findings will help lawmakers devise more effective policies to address the lingering effects of genocide ideology and promote community resilience.
The 1948 Genocide Convention, the first human rights treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly, underscores the global commitment to preventing genocide. The treaty provides the first legal definition of genocide and mandates its 153 ratifying states to prevent and punish the crime.