Peacekeepers in Haiti commemorate Genocide

Close to 200 Rwandan police officers deployed in Haiti were joined by their Haitian friends and several United Nations officials to mark the 18th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.In an event aired live on the Haiti state television, the officers discussed and educated those present about the 1994 tragedy as well as Rwanda’s remarkable journey to peace and democracy.Special Representative of the UN Secretary General to Haiti, Nigel Fisher, who was the Guest of Honour, commended Rwanda for moving forward, saying the East African country can become an important role model to Haiti.“Although Rwanda and Haiti faced different catastrophes, Haiti can learn that it is possible to move through the biggest challenges and improve the lives of the people, just as Rwanda demonstrated after the Genocide,” Fisher told the ceremony.Fisher is no stranger to the Genocide; he headed the United Nations Children’s Fund team deployed to Rwanda in 1994.“Haiti’s main problem is poor governance; but if Rwanda can become a stable state with admirable governance structures after the Genocide against the Tutsi, why not Haiti?” Jean Ady Gardy, Haiti’s representative to the African Union, said.The Rwandan Police Contingent Commander in Haiti, Jean Marie Nshimiyimana, said Haitians look at Rwanda as a story of hope.“Many of our friends in Haiti ask us how Rwanda managed to make it through despite what we went through and we tell them that it is possible with patriots who are willing to rebuild peace and help one another to develop,” Nshimiyimana told The New Times.“We are now helping to carry out peace operations, provide security and contribute to the development of Haiti’s institutions through the UN framework.”Rwanda began its support to Haiti after a devastating earthquake wrecked its capital Port-au-Prince in 2010 causing massive damage and loss of life across the country.Apart from sending police officers, the Government of Rwanda committed an initial donation of US$ 100,000 (Rwf 56m) to victims.Currently, Rwanda has 160 officers under the Formed Protection Unit, 29 individual police officers mainly offering advisory services to the Haitian public and 15 correctional officers serving in several prisons.

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Peacekeepers in Haiti commemorate Genocide