The Rwanda Forum 2004

During two and a half weeks in Rwanda, working with young Rwandans, two history students from the UK became aware of history's importance for issues as seemingly distinct as friendship and global politics, and the importance of friendship and politics for history. On their return to the UK the two students, the writers of this essay, conceived and designed the Rwanda Forum which took place on the 27th March 2004 at the Imperial War Museum. A one day conference, the Rwanda Forum was the major UK event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide. Giving an account of the genesis of the Forum and exploring the themes which emerged during the day this essay explains the emotional and intellectual backdrop to the event.

The Rwanda Forum was an act of protest. An act inspired by experience, empathy and a critical approach to the past. The Forum protested against the lack of international response to the genocide and the often silent and narrow focus of historical debate. The day reacted against irresponsibility in international politics and the lack of global thinking in our societies. The essay examines how and why the Forum attempted to create a wider history according to an inclusive sense of the world and of humanity. The Forum avoided battles about causes and consequences of the genocide which culminated in conclusion. Instead the Forum provided a space for the participants to make links between our differing personal histories and broaden our perspectives of our own histories.

The essay discusses the problems of defining and responding to genocide, both in terms of international prevention and, after the event, through commemoration. Including brief extracts of testimonies and analysis from the day, the essay illustrates how the commemoration aimed to create shared memory while challenging myth, breaking silence and exposing the discrepancy between values held by the international community and the way that the world reacted to the genocide. The paper concludes by demonstrating how history, memory and commemoration can be used to ensure 'never again'.