The National Commission for the fight against Genocide (CNLG) has launched an assessment of survivors’ living conditions in order to inform policies. The tour, launched in Western Province, is conducted by CNLG staff in charge of Genocide Survivors’ Advocacy. The team is currently in Rusizi District after visiting Nyamasheke, Ngororero and Rutsiro districts. According to James Nzirimo, in-charge of survivors’ advocacy at CNLG, the assessment aims at capturing latest information on living conditions of Genocide survivors, 22 years after the Genocide. Western Province is the third province visited after Eastern and Southern provinces. Nzirimo said the assessment is done by filling forms reserved for heads of families. Thereafter, the data will be used as a crucial tool for advocacy purposes. The questionnaire asks about shelters, welfares and health, including health insurance, physical and psychological checks, as well as information about the support deserved among other issues. Nzirimo said after visiting Ngororero and Rutsiro, the team established that survivors mostly face similar challenges. These include delays in receiving social protection support, Ubudehe stratification where some survivors were wrongly classified in third category, and delays in compensating for their damaged properties. The findings will be submitted to the Ministry of Local Government and Social Affairs, among other partners. “At the end of the assessment we will present findings from each district. The findings will also help us while preparing an annual report to submit to the Parliament,” Nzirimo said. The assessment is scheduled to end in June, next year. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
