🌏 A Journey Toward Justice: The Unheard Voices of Women in Civil Wars: Rwanda a case in point.
In the shadow of civil wars, the stories of women often remain untold. When we reflect on the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide, we must confront a harsh reality: women not only bear the deepest scars of societal devastation but are also subjected to horrific acts of sexual violence—crimes that have long been overlooked.
The establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) was a historic milestone. It was here that the world began to recognise the strategic use of rape as a weapon of genocide, and for the first time, this horrific crime was etched into international law. Yet, despite these advancements, the path to justice for survivors of sexual violence remains particularly fraught with obstacles.
In my dissertation, for MSc in International Relations, I embarked on a critical exploration of Rwanda's transitional justice measures and their effectiveness in delivering justice to women who suffered sexual violence. By examining the roles of the ICTR, the national judicial system, and the gacaca courts, I seek to answer pressing questions:
🔍 To what extent did the ICTR pave the way for justice and reconciliation for these brave survivors?
🔍 How effective was Rwanda's judicial system in addressing their needs?
🔍 Did the gacaca courts truly serve as a platform for healing and justice?
What I discovered is both illuminating and sobering. While significant strides have been made, deep-rooted challenges—organisational weaknesses, technical shortcomings, and socio-political barriers—have hindered the quest for meaningful justice. The voices of survivors, though resilient, continue to echo in the shadows, calling out for recognition, support, and healing.
Such stories are to varying degrees part of all civil wars. Since the beginning of the Civil War in Sudan, for instance, rape has been systematically used against women. As we honor the past for wisdom, let us also commit to a future where every survivor's story is heard, valued, and acted upon.
Justice system that prioritises the experiences of women and ensures that their journeys to healing are no longer left in silence, is of particular importance. Only that way we can pave a way for a meaningful healing and true transition.
#JusticeForWomen #Rwanda #ICTR #SudanWar #TransitionalJustice #SurvivorVoices #EndSexualViolence #InternationalLaw #Reconciliation #HealingTogether
