Burundian NGO visits Nyundo Memorial site

Trauma healing and reconciliation services, a Burundi-based NGO together with a genocide survivor’s association known as “UHUMURE” in Rubavu, yesterday, visited genocide survivors and memorial site in Nyundo sector. The Nyundo memorial site is home to 851 genocide victims exhumed from pit latrines, manholes as well as bodies that were removed from churches. “When we visited this memorial last year, we noted that survivors needed lessons on forgiveness, conflict resolution and trauma healing, which we have offered. We hope to continue working with the survivors in all aspects,” said Jim Mustin, officer in charge of technical assistance and development. Mustin also promised that his organisation would solicit for funds from the United States of America, which would be used to facilitate the activities of Nyundo survivors. Pastor Augustine Habimana, the president of the Uhumure Association in Rubavu which comprises of survivors of the genocide against the Tutsi and the perpetrators who have served their sentences, said their mission is to restore hope and peace among the Rwandan society. “As we preach reconciliation among Rwandans, we should make sure the never again notion should be put into action rather than being mere words. to serve its meaning,” said Habimana. The association which started in 2009, has 345 members and four clubs and aims at a peaceful co-existence between survivors and perpetrators. The Nyundo survivors were also given a video camera upon their request for proper filing and documentation of their activities. Ends