Chris Smith: “Mr. Chairman, the outbreak of warfare in Rwanda was accompanied by an outbreak of genocidal violence all too reminiscent…”

“Mr. Chairman, the outbreak of warfare in Rwanda was accompanied by an outbreak of genocidal violence all too reminiscent of what happened in the former Yugoslavia. Under cover of long-standing tribal rivalries, an effort was launched by leaders of one tribe to bring about the systematic extermination of another. It is important that the international community show that this kind of crime against humanity will be detected, prosecuted and punished. The Rwanda tribunal was created by Security Council Resolution 955 on November 8, 1994. Many Members no doubt remember that date for other reasons, but for Rwandans it was an important sign of hope that the world had not forgotten their sufferings and there would be a prosecution for committing these heinous crimes.”