The National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC) is set to present its national policy, ahead of the Reconciliation Week slated for November 17- 21, 2008. According to Adeline Muhoza, the Public Relations Officer of Commission, this is meant to mainstream the unity and reconciliation programme among public and private institutions. “We came up with this after consultations with the local community at the grass root level about the best way to instil a sense of ownership and responsibility in the people,” she told The New Times yesterday morning. She added that during the reconciliation week, evaluation of the progress of the ten year-old commission would be made. “It will also help us to examine how much the commission has achieved before its 10th anniversary early next year,” she said. According to Muhoza, the reconciliation week will run simultaneously through out the country with one District from each Province hosting the opening ceremony on Monday next week. She explained that the districts to host the opening event would be determined by the people through extensive consultations by the local leaders. Activities throughout the week will include visiting prisons and victims of the 1994 Genocide, especially the youth. “It is important to mobilize the youth, sensitise prisoners and restore hope to those orphaned by the genocide if we are to register remarkable progress,” noted Muhoza, adding that radio talk shows on all radio stations in the country are planned for Saturday in order to create awareness. The week that will be organised for the first time will include get-together parties and any other activities that reflect unity and reconciliation among Rwandans. She stressed that the commission will work closely with religious heads because it is then that they will easily be able to reach many Rwandans at the same time. Meanwhile NURC has also strongly reacted towards Sunday’s unlawful arrest of Rose Kabuye, the head of state protocol. “We are in total disagreement with the uncalled for actions but again urge all Rwandans to remain calm as the issue is being followed up,” Muhoza said. Ends
