TOWARDS RWANDAN NATIONAL RECONCILIATION
PROMOTING THE RESPECT OF HUMAN RIGHTS
WIdESPREAD POVERTY REDUCTION

[The important thing in life is to have a great aim and the determination to attain it. Through social services and human rights advocacy the organization A.R.R-AMAHORO is committed to trigger the process of genuine Rwandan national reconciliation and promoting the culture of the respect of human rights, tolerance, brotherhood, peaceful cohabitation, forgiveness, etc.]

“A.R.R-AMAHORO”
ACTION FOR RWANDAN NATIONAL RECONCILIATION AND RWANDAN ETHNIC CONFLICT PREVENTION

OUR MESSAGE

“A.R.R-AMAHORO” Action for Rwandan National Reconciliation as a Non Governmental Organization ( NGO ) will be committed to meet the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948-2008’s theme: Dignity and Justice for all of us. The theme for 2008 reinforces the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDRH) as a commitment to the universal dignity and justice.

“It is our duty to ensure that these human rights are living reality- that they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone. It is often those who need their human rights protected, who also need to be informed that the declaration exists- and that it exists for them”
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.


“Peace and post-conflict processes offer a new chance for a country or a region to create a society that is more equal, more fair, more just –it is more than a chance, it is a major requirement, as lack of these qualities is usually a reason behind any conflict. To ensure that peace is sustainable and that a post-conflict society is not based on elements that can cause a new conflict , both women and men need to participate in planning and in decision making…” President Martti Ahtiasaari, CMI /Annual report 2006

“There are stories to be told that must not be forgotten. We can never give up on the lessons learned from Rwanda.” - Paul Rusesabagina / the chairman of the Film Hotel Rwanda

“…If 13 years later Rwandans still cannot be trusted to not use the ethnicity to repeat the genocide, the country is surely in serious trouble. Until Rwanda extends full political rights to its Hutus their fight will continue play out in its western neighbor, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and destabilize the region,
It is clear that unless a new strategy is formulated, one that will focus on addressing the real root causes of the conflict, the region will move irrevocably towards a major new crisis…” – writes Jan van Eck, consultant to the institute for security studies in Pretoria and former ANC MP

“Le monde ne sera pas détruit par ceux qui font le mal mais par ceux qui regardent et refusent d’agir” Albert EINSTEIN
(The world will not be destroyed by those who harm but by those who watch and refuse to act)

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moment of convenience but where he stands in moment of challenge, moments of great crisis and controversy” Martin LUTHER KING.

INTRODUCTION

Many sub-Saharan African countries have experienced armed conflict in recent decades. In the last decade, the majority of those countries have registered millions of deaths and severe injuries arising from ruthless armed conflicts particularly in the region of the Great Lakes. In that region, till today a large number of people continue to suffer from insecurity and fear of violence. The violence and wars experienced in the region of Great Lakes are intimately related to the well-known challenges of poverty, bad governance and lack of social democracy, human rights breaches and impunity.

The armed conflict, violence and insecurity devastate economies, societies and families. They are associated with distorted political economies of violence in which predators enrich themselves to the detriment of the majority. Moreover, marginalisation and conditions of poverty contribute to the risk of conflict and violence. Consequently, many African countries appear to be trapped in a spiral armed conflict and violence from which arise mass killings and, in some cases it culminated in genocide like in Rwanda in 1994.

Rwanda is small country that is located in the great lakes region of central Africa which is an extremely troubled region of the world. Many of its neighbours also suffer from turmoil, caught in the cycle of violence and bloodshed that plagues the continent of Africa. Now Rwanda struggles to attempt at achieving peace and reconciliation. However, genuine peace and reconciliation for Rwandan is a complex challenge considering the genocide that occurred in 1994 and its consequences both internally and internationally. Building of genuine peace and reconciliation requires the participation of the international community. The international community is whoever acting as a private individual or company, State, NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations or INGOs (International Non Governmental Organizations); congregations; stars of cinema, stars of music, stars of sport, etc. It is whoever understands, whoever is sensible and whoever would like to make a difference by supporting Rwandan National Reconciliation effort and to uphold the achievement of Rwandan ethnic conflict prevention and Rwandan national unity. It is obvious that Rwanda cannot succeed alone in dealing with the aftermaths of the genocide.
NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION
Due to the genocide occurred in Rwanda and its aftermaths, reconciling Rwandans requires commitment, good faith and diversified constructive initiatives. Rwandan people need that. In particular, it is the responsibility of Rwandans first as it is them who suffered and who continue to suffer and if nothing is done, their sufferings could no end. Thus it is mandatory to start genuine reconciliation process and it is within this context that we initiate the action towards Rwandan reconciliation which is named: “A.R.R-AMAHORO” (Action for Rwandan National Reconciliation and Rwandan Ethnic Conflict Prevention). The NGO is an independent non-profit organization founded in Finland in February 2007.
A.R.R-AMAHORO is an NGO committed to mobilizing Rwandans themselves and the international community to support its goals of building trust and mutual understanding among the different ethnic communities of Rwanda, working against ethnic conflict and violence, fostering genuine reconciliation preventing Rwandan ethnic conflict and achieving national unity. The goals of the organization A.R.R-AMAHORO are planned to be achieved through concrete actions including social services and human rights advocacy. The word “amahoro” means peace in Kinyarwanda the Rwandan national language. Reconciliation is the only way for Rwandans to achieve sustainable peace, democracy and development. The organization aims at promoting Rwandan national reconciliation, Rwandan ethnic conflict prevention and sensitizing on human rights.
The Rwandan conflict is between Hutus and Tutsis.
Rwanda is composed by three ethnic groups: Hutu, Tutsi and Twa. Since long time ago, the Rwandan problem has always been a conflict between the two major communities including Hutus and Tutsis. There are many causes of the conflict but the main ones relies on widespread poverty and the control of power which, as well, leads to the control of all natural resources of the country. On the other hand, when thinking about the Rwandan conflict, one may not omit the very harmful interference of the foreign influence in Rwanda before and after its independence (July 1st, 1962). According to the Rwandan history which includes that foreign influence, the two major ethnic groups have always failed to achieve peaceful cohabitation and mutual tolerance and the culture of impunity resulted in increasing human rights violations during several decades. The most horrible human rights breaches occurred in Rwanda culminated in genocide in 1994.
Hutus and Tutsis must get reconciled for their survival.
During the genocide in Rwanda, millions of people were decimated including children and even babies. The elites who could contribute to build the country and lead it to fair justice, democracy and development were decimated. The Rwandan culture, the environment and the infrastructures were also decimated; millions of people fled the country and carried away the Rwandan brain drain. So, the country has been totally destroyed in such a way that everything is to be rebuilt. The destruction of the country takes its origin in the ethnic conflict between Hutus and Tutsis who have never been capable to analyse the roots of the causes of their conflict in order to dismantle them, to heal the wounds and build peace.
Thus, it is absolutely recommended to get reconciled for peace as Hutus and Tutsis know very well that their history teaches them that peace is needed for their survival.
According to the very well known facts regarding Rwandan tragedy, Hutus and Tutsis are held accountable. Nevertheless, in good faith, it is possible to achieve peace and reconciliation if Hutus and Tutsis can learn from their history and their mistakes. It is unavoidable and mandatory for them to start thinking about future generations and the legacy for them. This explains why both Hutus and Tutsis are recommended to ask each other forgiveness in good faith. The solution of Rwandan conflict relies on the stage that must absolutely be achieved including when Tutsis must forgive Hutus and vice versa. The Rwandan conflict must be discussed in good faith and forgiveness as the achievement is the only way leading to peace and reconciliation. Thus, A.R.R-AMAHORO will be committed to implement a methodological strategy and sensitizing well founded of mutual forgiveness between Hutus and Tutsis.
STAGES OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORGANIZATION
A.R.R-AMAHORO is planned to be implemented through two different stages: the stage one concerns working with refugees in Africa and stage two will focus on the implementation of the NGO in Rwanda.
Stage one: Working with refugees in Africa.
“A.R.R-AMAHORO” intends to start with Rwandan refugees scattered on the African continent. Meanwhile, one could wonder why starting with refugees? The answer is that the refugee issue remains the core problem in the Rwandan conflict. The refugee history in Rwanda began exploding with the revolution of 1959. After the revolution, thousands of Rwandan people fled the country and others were killed during the conflict. Those who fled the country most of them survived in neighbouring countries including Burundi, ex-Zaïre, Uganda and elsewhere in the world. After thirty years in the countries of asylum, the first refugees got organized and constituted an armed rebellion. For many time they have been trying unsuccessfully to attack their country seeking to go back home by force. In October 1990 was their final attack from Uganda which provided to them the full logistic support.
The invasion resulted in extremely human rights violations including crimes against humanity, crimes of war and crime of genocide. The invasion also resulted in millions of new other refugees who fled the country. Therefore, if the Rwandan refugee problem was solved, refugees would have not rebelled and invaded the country. The genocide and other horrible human rights violations would have not occurred in Rwanda and in the region of Great Lakes. That is why starting working with refugees constitute a priority in order to attempt deterring people to attack the country as it happened in 1990. It would be wise and benefit for people of Rwanda to avoid plunging the country in the war that could lead again to serious human rights breaches in Rwanda. The respect of human rights, the culture of tolerance, national reconciliation and upholding the return back home in peace would be the best option. This can be performed trough sensitizing, social services and human right advocacy. This stage will be operated as long as the refugees issue remains unsolved.
Stage two: Implementing the NGO in Rwanda.
The Rwandan Government has started Rwandan national reconciliation process. In order to achieve sustainable result, this needs to be based on good will, truth and fairness. On the basis of the fact that national reconciliation constitutes a huge building action, the NGO A.R.R-AMAHORO plans to co-operate with the existing structures in order to share the task with them. This requires concrete action and new constructive initiatives. Every Rwandan is absolutely concerned to give a hand with commitment and example of patriotism. As poverty is one of the roots of human right violation causes, A.R.R-AMAHORO will be committed to contribute to eliminating the widespread poverty, upholding education and human right advocacy. A.R.R-AMAHORO will be committed to set up a plan of sensitizing of the respect of human rights and its importance, attitude of tolerance, mutual acceptance and peaceful cohabitation, etc. The sensitizing plan will be combined with social work and socio-economic integration addressed to the poorest population.
SHORT HISTORY OF RWANDAN ISSUE
“Someone has said: You don’t need to carry a gun to be a freedom fighter. Revenge should not be our motivation”
As it has been introduced above, the Rwandan conflict exploded with the revolution of 1959. The country was attacked by rebels in October 1, 1990. After four years of bloody war, in April 6, 1994, the president’s plane was shot down the and ruthless and systematic mass killings in Rwanda started immediately. Hutu and Tutsi, the principal Rwandan ethnic groups, exterminated each other for the control of power and national resources. The whole world witnessed those serious violations of human rights that included mass killings, assassinations, ethnic cleansing, rapes, tortures, removals, etc. Millions of people of all ages, women, the elderly and children, were savagely killed. Today, there are numerous orphans, widows and widowers, physically handicapped and severely traumatized people in the country. In addition millions of people were also forced to flee the country. Although reporting on this crime against humanity was present all over the world, the world and its leaders only condemned the horrors while not acting to stop the ongoing violations.
In the same year the United Nations officially acknowledged that genocide was perpetrated in Rwanda. By its resolution 955 of November 8, 1994, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) was created to trial the principal suspects. The mission of that tribunal was to help achieve national reconciliation. However 13 years after, the tribunal still has difficulties to accomplishing its mission. Consequently, till today ethnic tension in Rwandan between Hutu and Tutsi communities remains real. In 1998, U.N. Secretary General, Kofi Annan recognized the failure of the international community and issued an apology. Bill Clinton, the former President of the United States, the Belgium representative and some few others did the same. We appreciated that very much but on the top of that we need the wounds of Rwandans to be healed. It is really needed to reconcile people of Rwanda in good faith.
The Rwandan tragedy was the world's tragedy. The world failed either to prevent or to stop the genocide in Rwanda. Therefore the world must deeply repent of this failure. Concrete and effective actions are needed. We need to learn from our mistakes. Instead of degrading ourselves we must realize that failure and success go hand in hand. Failure is necessary because it provides obvious lessons to learn from. Analysis of these lessons should improve the chances for future prosperity.
The crime of genocide is the crime against humanity. It is the responsibility of the international community to act courageously in order to heal the scars of the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide because it is an extremely difficult task that requires concerted effort by the world community. Due to a rapid and large scale of the death and destruction happened in Rwanda only few families were not personally affected.
People of Rwanda are traumatized due to that genocide and its aftermaths. Most of generations of women experienced rape and numerous of them are women are at risk. In Rwanda thousands of others are in jail for many years without trial and it is known that those jails are the places where people are daily dying. Thousands widowed are on the hills devoting to bring food to their husbands prisoners and because of that they do not have time to take care of their children or the orphans? Furthermore millions of refugees are scattered all over the world including African countries and those refugees around the world are still waiting for acceptable conditions allowing them to return home and most of them live in dire poverty especially those who live on the African continent. Thus in general the situation has absolutely a negative impact on the Rwandan welfare increasingly resulting in poverty and misery.

On the other hand the genocide and its consequences are having a very bad impact on the environment, on international migration and on the stability of, not just the region but the whole world. Urgent action is therefore needed to help the country of Rwanda heal the wounds that are still so real to most of Rwandans.
Mission statement
“Youth development strategies can help our future adults from repeating the mistakes we have made that have leaded us to war. Philosophy suggests that nations that have found peace should help less peaceful nations by sharing knowledge, food and other resources. Our conscience teaches us that we should treat others the way we want to be treated, with dignity and respect” World Peace Enterprises.
For this organisation “A.R.R –AMAHORO”, Rwandan welfare in general, Rwandan refugee welfare in particular, Rwandan national reconciliation and Rwandan ethnic conflict prevention are the key words. Our mission aims to ensure that the interpretation of the Rwandan national reconciliation is performed in good faith (pacta sunct servanda). The Rwandan national reconciliation and Rwandan ethnic conflict prevention is a common responsibility of Rwandans acting to make a significant and effective contribution in alleviating Rwandan sufferings, to improve the welfare and to achieve peace, democracy and development.
As mentioned above in our message , the strategy to achieve relevant results lies through social, human rights and development activities to assist the poor and disadvantaged outside and inside the country. The organisation intends to reach out to the affected populations through the spirit of solidarity and compassion and by responding and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable. A.R.R-AMAHORO will emphasize the alleviation of Rwandan people’s sufferings by helping to promote the spirit of charity, empathy, the culture of tolerance and non-violence, mutual acceptance, the peaceful cohabitation and the respect of human rights in Rwanda.
Based on international law such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the human right instruments and the 1951 Geneva Convention, everyone has the right to enjoy life. Upon that, A.R.R-AMAHORO will be committed to uphold, sensitize and teach human rights to Rwandan people starting with Rwandan refugees living in Africa.
The Rwandan problem and reconciliation as a solution based on both philosophy of “UBUNTU ” an African concept, and peace.
“UBUNTU”, pronounced /ùbúntù/, is an ethic or humanism philosophy focusing on people's allegiances and relations with each other. The word has its origin in the Bantu languages of Southern Africa. Ubuntu is seen as a traditional African concept. (Wikipedia)
An attempt at a longer definition has been made by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (1999):
“A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed.”
Nelson Mandela explained Ubuntu as follows:
A traveler through our country would stop at a village, and he didn't have to ask for food or for water. Once he stops, the people give him food, entertain him. That is one aspect of Ubuntu but Ubuntu has various aspects. Ubuntu does not mean that people should not enrich themselves. The question therefore is: Are you going to do so in order to enable the community around you to improve?
Further he says: “Ubuntu is a universal truth, it is a way of life, it is helpfulness, it is sharing, it is unselfishness, it is community, it is underpin, a concept and open of Africa... One word can mean so much”
“How can we achieve Peace on Earth? First and utmost, we must find it within ourselves. By sharing our inner peace with others, peace will spread. By raising our children properly and teaching them to respect and love their neighbors. They will learn the joy of peace. The peace process should be a predominantly preventative measure (A gram of prevention is worth a kilogram of cure). Peace should likely start as a grassroots movement, thereby creating a "trickle-up" process. Not only can we teach others about peace but we can put pressure on governments and political candidates that continue to advocate war as the main solution to civil and international conflict. Along the way, some form of world "Planning and Lawmaking" committee probably needs to be established that includes all nations. One nation's problems are problems for all of us. We must learn to see ourselves as one small planet and not be so concerned with our nationality, race or religion. When it comes right down to it we are all human. Think what we could accomplish if we all worked together to create a true world economy. We could end starvation, reduce poverty, create jobs and work towards common goals such as worldwide justice, peace education, pollution control and planet management” (World Peace Enterprises).
The organization A.R.R-AMAHORO will fulfil its mission by committing the entire agency to contribute to resolving the Rwandan problem through reconciliation and based on both Nelson Mandela’s wise example and these thoughts above provided by the World Peace Enterprises.
National reconciliation is the only way to achieve sustainable solution for the people of Rwanda. There is no other possible way. A sincere national reconciliation implies full willingness, good faith and efforts of all Rwandans and the entire International Community. In order to achieve sustainable peace, freedom, democracy and development Rwandan people need to get reconciled. Reconciliation is compulsory. Reconciliation does not to be seen as a futile dream for people of Rwanda.
As an example, Nelson Mandela, the Great and Famous South African leader and the father of reconciliation in South Africa, has provided for the whole world that reconciliation, if there is good faith, is possible. Thanks to this UBUNTU principle and Nelson Mandela’s truth and reconciliation policy. Today people of South Africa are currently overcoming the apartheid ghosts. The Nelson Mandela’s wise example can similarly inspire the Rwandan people and the international community. Similarly, if helped, Rwandans can also show the world that they are able to perform good things rather than chronic violence cycle. We can just imitate the South African People who are now building their country after the apartheid era. That is why, once again, reconciliation should not seem to be as futile dream for people of Rwanda. It is possible and it is a duty of every Rwandan to contribute for its implementation. The word peace is a dream word for Rwandans but, if all Rwandans devote to act in good faith simply imitating the example of Nelson Mandela, the word “peace” which is today a dream for Rwandans, may come true through A.R.R-AMAHORO’s action together with other similar constructive initiatives.
It is within this context that “A.R.R- AMAHORO” ACTION FOR RWANDAN NATIONAL RECONCILIATION has taken the initiative to make a difference. The organization was created for mobilizing Rwandan people and the International Community to take action upon the Nelson Mandela’s model in order to gradually help Rwandan get reconciled in the same manner as the people of South Africa.
GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

A.R.R- AMAHORO as a non-profit organization is dedicated to building trust and mutual understanding among the ethnic communities of Rwanda with the aim of achieving genuine national reconciliation. Our aim lies on human right advocacy and humanitarian work addressed to Rwandan refugees in Africa as the first stage and, in the future, providing help addressed to the most vulnerable people in Rwanda as the second stage. This will be combined with social work, sensitizing on human right, tolerance, peaceful cohabitation and national reconciliation. The central activity remains on developing, supporting financially and monitoring socio-economic initiatives in order to enable dialogue and sensitizing on tolerance, peace and national reconciliation.

The A.R.R-AMAHORO agency plans to cry out to all people of goodwill to help in order to improve the lives of people in need and to work for a better future for new Rwandan generations. The triggering of Rwandan national reconciliation will be implemented through activities regarding social work and human right advocacy. The A.R.R-AMAHORO will put emphasis on human rights promotion, education, training and genuine reconciliation. At the same time it plans to provide assistance more particularly to vulnerable groups such as raped and traumatized women, pregnant women, children on the street, the unemployed, distraught youngsters, elderly people and handicapped of war.
GOALS
“Poverty is not natural. It is a manmade” (Nelson Mandela)

This idea reflects the so called World System Theory which is explained by the capitalism’s international division of labour that maintains the status quo of the wealthy core countries to become much richer while the peripheral states supplying row materials and cheap labour to become and remain poorer. The theory is constructed in such a way to claim the perpetual and widening inequality among states. The theory is characterized by the fact that there are the centres (decision makers and wealthy) and the peripherals (poorer) in this system. The thing which is harmful is that poverty is located in the peripheral groups whose poverty leads to devastating conflicts. And most of Rwandans are included in those peripheral groups. Therefore, in order to achieve genuine reconciliation in Rwanda and at the same time prevent the reappearance of ethnic conflict in any serious dimension, the root causes of the conflict must be addressed and poverty is one of them.

The other main causes of Rwandan conflict are bad social policy, undemocratic regimes, ignorance of human rights, human rights abuses and impunity and gender inequality. In addition to poverty, theses causes plunge people of Rwanda to live in dire straits. In result, It is for example easier to create and maintain militia groups who are often used in the killings and other human right violations when the conflict explodes during dictatorial regimes. The Rwandan conflict led to several thousands of people forced to flee the country as refugees and as long as the refugee question remains unresolved, the conflict has a risk of reigniting and to threatening Rwandan peace and security.

The way to deal with lack of democracy, human rights abuses, impunity and ignorance is to keep people constantly informed about the respect of human rights, the culture of non violence, tolerance, mutual solidarity, brotherhood, forgiveness, democracy and the importance of genuine reconciliation and conflict prevention. People must get educated about their rights and obligations because most of them don’t even know about that. During conflicts, uninformed people, particularly youngsters, unemployed people and refugees are always easy recruitment targets for the warring parties. So, the worthwhile and preventive solution to this issue lies on constantly keeping people informed about the respect of human rights, cultivating the culture of non-violence, tolerance, mutual solidarity, brotherhood, forgiveness, democracy and whatever is needed to enhance the respect of human rights, reconciliation and conflict prevention.

Rwandan national reconciliation and optimism are dreams for people of Rwanda.

It is obvious that all Rwandans need peace. The way to achieve it remains only through sincere reconciliation. It is true that we talk about reconciliation and optimism as dreams. But we have to remember that if Martin Luther King didn’t have his legendary dream, until today the black American would be still considered as under men. In fact, if it has been considered the “ I have a dream” of King in the 60s as a simple dream, today one would easily be astonished to see Colin Powel or Condoleezza Rice deciding together with Gorge W. Bush. Concerning reconciliation, Rwandans should also have such dream as well as Martin Luther King. Rwandans must get reconciled to achieve peace, democracy and development. It is a duty of every Rwandan and the dream must come true. So, all Rwandans should say, as Martin Luther King, I have a dream. I have a dream to see one day hutus and tutis cohabitating peacefully, sharing fairly the power and national resources, devoting to building genuine democracy and developing the country together as one. .Optimism regarding Rwandan national reconciliation

Martin LUTHER KING said: “...My home situation was very congenial. I have a marvellous mother and father. I can hardly remember a time that they ever argued (my father happens to be a kind who just won’t argue) or had any great falling out. These factors were highly significant in determining my religious attitude. It is quite easy to think of God of love mainly because I grew up in a family where love was central and where lovely relationships were ever present. It is quite easy to think of the universe as basically friendly mainly because of my uplifting hereditary environmental circumstances. It is easy for me to lean more toward optimism that pessimism about human nature mainly because of my childhood experiences...”

The A.R.R-AMAHORO intends to adapt as an example the Martin Luther King dynamic of optimism. We want to help Rwandans future generations to think positively. We need to create factors allowing Rwandan future generations to think such a way. It is recommended in order to cultivate optimistic behaviour. Optimism gives a sense of hope to the life as it provides the courage and determination to move ahead. Being optimistic boosts the motivation to take a liking for life. The greatest natural resources and the hope for Rwanda’s future are its children. If there is to be any hope for Rwanda and its citizens, it is imperative to address the dire needs of Rwandan children. Healing the trauma of the horrific crimes occurred in Rwandan starts with physical and physiological healthcare, healthy diet, a proper re-education, training and promotion of human rights, genuine national reconciliation and future Rwandan ethnic conflict prevention. Meeting these basic needs is important so that Rwandans would be able to deal with the burden and the aftermaths of the genocide.

Through concrete and active humanitarian programme the organization plans to promote Rwandan national reconciliation, the respect of human rights and Rwandan ethnic conflict prevention. Education programmes, promotion of humanitarian and social programs aimed at alleviating the suffering of people in need and similar measures will facilitate reconciliation and enhance conflict prevention programmes. We believe that this is an effective strategy and we intend to pursue it. This is simply because, for example, it is not possible to expect any success when talking to people who are hungry while there is no offer or desire to provide food to them. “A hungry man is an angry man”, said Bob Marley the most famous reggae musician.
A.R.R-AMAHORO plans to start the social services named above with Rwandan refugees living in Congo Brazzaville. Our hope is that the social programs will play the role of a bridge by which it will be possible to establish dialogue and discussions on Rwandan reconciliation and Rwandan conflict prevention. A.R.R-AMAHORO is committed to mobilizing Rwandans themselves and the international community to support its initiative with a view to achieving genuine reconciliation. If Rwandans are reconciled, the national unity will be re-established, and then there will be a common hope to achieve peace, democracy and development. This is the way to tackle the socio-economic and Rwandan welfare challenges.
OBJECTIVES

It is said that “ Where there is a will there is a way” and “ It is never too late to mend”
“A.R.R- AMAHORO”(Action for Rwandan National Reconciliation) has taken the initiative to make a difference. It was created for mobilizing Rwandan people and the International Community to take action upon the Nelson Mandela’s model in order to gradually help Rwandan get over the aftermath of the genocide and move forward. The objectives of the organization are as follows:
1. Promotion of genuine National Reconciliation that would lead to sustainable cohabitation between Rwandan ethnic components
Rwandan Refugee welfare in Africa with the emphasis on women and children
Promotion of the welfare and the Respect of Human Rights in Rwanda
Rwandan youth illiteracy and juvenile delinquency reduction
Rwandan ethnic conflict prevention through the action aiming at constantly keep informing Rwandans on human rights violations and sensitizing on the respect of human rights.

ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
“A community is democratic only when the humblest and weakest person can enjoy the highest civil, economic and social rights that the biggest and most powerful possess. It is hard to build democracy on an empty stomach” ( World Peace Enterprises).

The A.R.R-AMAHORO’s activities and services include:
The implementation of social programs with a view to enhancing, monitoring, providing and advocating legal protection and legal assistance for the Rwandan Refugees in Africa,
The initiation of advices and assistance on unemployment, promotion of education and vocational trainings, promotion of cultural activities including creating and supporting groups of associations committed to profit oriented activities such as trade and business activities; drumming, music bands, traditional dances, handmade item production, photo and video production, etc.
Advocating for Rwandans on seeking asylum, refugee rights, legal immigration, local integration support, etc.
Mobilizing Rwandans and the International Community to support Rwandan National Reconciliation and Rwandan conflict prevention programs
Establishing a list of an international network of activists on Rwandan National Reconciliation and Rwandan ethnic conflict prevention and setting up and maintaining an active A.R.R- AMAHORO’s website with a view to disseminating information on Human Rights, Rwandan Reconciliation, and discussion forum on national reconciliation and Rwandan ethnic conflict prevention.
Organizing awareness conferences and seminars on Rwandan reconciliation and Rwandan ethnic s conflict where Hutus and Tutsis can seat together and ask each other for forgiveness and emphasizing on culture of peace, non-violence, tolerance, acceptance, solidarity, peaceful cohabitation and teaching the respect of human rights.
Initiating discussions on Rwandan stereotypes and how to avoid them
Participating in international conferences and seminaries on conflicts prevention, conflict solution and Human Rights Promotion
Organizing meetings of different representatives of opposition political parties to discuss on Rwandan national reconciliation and Rwandan ethnic conflict prevention.



TARGET GROUPS

The objectives, activities and services will be addressed to Rwandan refugees and other vulnerable Rwandan people more affected by the Rwandan conflict including:

-Unskilled youngsters and unaccompanied children
-Women - at-risk,
-Pregnant women,
-Elderly and handicapped people
-Students encountering problem in their studies
-Private persons or group of associations who have socio-economic initiatives for their integration in the host country.


FUND RAISING / RESOURCES

Running the Rwandan reconciliation project requires financial and material resources. The following are some of the ways A.R.R. intends to raise the required fund.


▪ Collection and selling donated items
The collection and selling used or new items is one of our methods of fundraising. This programme is planned to be organized throughout Finland especially from the principal cities such as Helsinki, Turku, Kotka, Tempere, Lohja, Nummela,Valkeakoski, Porvoo, etc. It is important to underline that this particular programme of selling donated items will play the core role with respect to our fundraising strategy.

▪Grants
In addition to the collection and selling donated item program, we welcome grants from States, foundations, NGO’s, churches, private or public companies, private individuals such as the stars of cinema, stars of sports and music, etc. who sympathize with our good cause and wish to support us.

▪ Collaboration with partners
To carry out the activities needs sharing the task together with other non-profit organizations partners and motivated volunteers. The items collected and sold and the collected funds will be used to perform the planned activities. The relief process regarding refugee sufferings will be managed to ensure that every item sold and every fund collected contribute to perform the social and human right services through which dialogue and reconciliation will be implemented.

STRUCTURE

The organization is administered by a Board and will be staffed by whoever acting as volunteers, men and women committed to human right advocacy and humanitarian and social services for victims of war. It is intended that activities of the organization will meet strict standards.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to all those who would like to support the Rwandan national reconciliation effort, Rwandan ethnic conflict prevention and achievement of national unity. The categories of membership include:
Individual Membership: representing individuals or families with the opportunity to get involved at the grassroots level and contribute to the success of A.R.R- AMAHORO through its aims and goals.
Student Membership: motivated individual students, student advocacy groups, who stand poised to make a difference by sharing their skills to contribute for the better world.
Organizations Membership: other non-profit organizations (NGOs) and congregations that share the common interest.
Gift Membership: those who want to support this vision through gifts and donations.
Business Membership: represent corporate and individual business membership.

BOARD AND OFFICERS
The organizing committee includes:
Officers:
Executive Director
Assistant Coordinator
Secretary
Treasurer

The committee shall consist of all elected and appointed officers. It will direct fellowship activities, promote carefully programs and plan meetings. The Executive Director leads and maintains constant supervision of all phases of our activities, both meetings and projects.


A. VOLUNTEERISM PROGRAMME

“At the heart of volunteerism are the ideas of service and solidarity and belief that together we can make the world better” Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General.

• Volunteers

Volunteerism is another way we intend to carry out the activities and projects of the organisation. Volunteer work also gives the opportunity to learn from the communities where a volunteer work is performed.


•Guide for A.R.R-AMAHORO’s volunteers and sponsors

A.R.R-AMAHORO hopes to accomplish its ideals as stated in the Message Document with the help of Volunteers and donated gifts materials and grants from Sponsors.

Volunteers are those who, of their own free will offer to contribute in bringing about national reconciliation and in achieving peace and stability in Rwanda. Their contribution is mostly (but not exclusively) in the form of man power. Many volunteers may be people who have international and humanitarian mind set and/or experience. As a volunteer, you may enjoy working with people in need or you may be interested in teaching children, youngsters, teenagers or adults. You could commit to volunteering in sharing computer skills, business development skills, agricultural skills, auto mechanic skills, music skills, language skills, photo and video production skills, sports and leisure skills, teaching human rights and social values such as tolerance, acceptance of one another, solidarity, freedom, non-violence, the respect of human rights, reconciliation, conflict solution and conflict prevention, etc.

Who volunteers?

Students who are taking a break before academic year or people within either their professional life or retirees are entitled to take part to the volunteerism programme. The same is true of those who have a chance to travel during a career break or simply a volunteer vacation for the family. It is open to people who wish to share their skills with others and who feel the humanitarian spirit, humility and compassion to work with people in need. If you wish to contribute to alleviate suffering of people in need serving as educational instructors as well as social workers, then A.R.R-AMAHORO needs you. Everyone can make a difference by experiencing another culture and using your skills to help in improving the lives of suffering people.

Broadly, A.R.R- AMAHORO will need two kinds of volunteers. They include local, home based volunteers and volunteers who will travel to Africa to work with the host communities.

I. Local volunteers/ Europe:

Local volunteers include those who will help, as a representative of A.R.R-AMAHORO, with the collection of donations at the collection points and those who will be the offering temporary warehouse for the item collected and their storage. Below is the list of items we would like to collect:
- sewing machines
- clothing
- shoes
- toys
- used vehicles
- car motors
- car wheels
- microwaves
- tables
- chairs
- beds
- mattresses
- desk computers (new or used)
-laptops (new or used)
- computers stations
- printers
- fax machines
- photo camera
- digital camera
- video camera
- mobile phones
- sound and video equipments (music instruments : guitars, pianos, drums;..)
- radio, TV, DVD, etc.
- Bicycles
- schools supplies (books, pens, calculators, book bags...)
- sport equipment (footballs, volleyballs, basketballs, football shoes, etc....)

II. Volunteers in Host Communities

This involves travelling to and interacting with people in African countries. Volunteering for work overseas could be a life-changing experience where volunteers share enthusiasm, time, skills and energy in a way that allows rich the volunteers to make effective and positive change. Volunteers will discover new and African cultures, new climate, new geographical environment, etc. Making a difference can be as simple as spending time with orphans, sharing love and affection with elderly people, sharing stories and photos with people of all ages. Volunteerism is not just another way of carrying out a project. Volunteerism also gives the opportunity to learn from the communities where a volunteer works.

The life changing experience does not end when the volunteer returns home. Once back home, another important part of volunteering is getting involved in his/her own community. This means that the volunteer remains aware of, or active in, global issues when educating friends and family about the realities of the African countries where he/she was a volunteer. Returning home provides an opportunity to share the inspiration of the experience and the opportunity to be a voice for greater social involvement and for the promotion of cultural understanding.

III. Getting prepared to volunteerism program

Volunteers respond to the call to serve to honour dignity of human person and to work for a world in which all people flourish in accordance with that dignity. In order to get prepared to that call, the volunteers will be required to attend training sessions. During the sessions, information will be provided on the Rwandan issue and the ARR-AMAHORO’s activities and strategies aimed at alleviating the Rwandan people’s sufferings. A.R.R-AMAHORO tries to mobilize and will appreciate every possible humanitarian hands and efforts to help Rwandan people. Everyone can help. There are opportunities for you to volunteer either locally in your country of residence such as Finland, Sweden, Norway or in any other European country or to go as a volunteer to an African country such as Senegal, Congo Brazzaville, Republic Democratic of Congo, Namibia, etc in the indicated country where Rwandan refugees are located. One important aim is to give participants the opportunity to manifest humility, compassion and solidarity with other sisters and brothers around the world by actively sharing gifts and talents through the organization A.R.R-AMAHORO.

Educational Instructors in Africa are needed to teach human rights, tolerance and non violence, reconciliation and conflict prevention, computer skills, skills for starting business, photo and movie production skills; languages skills (French, English, Finnish, and Swedish); music skills ( playing guitar, piano, organising a music band...); basic accountancy skills, etc. As a volunteer during the training sessions, it is up to you to determine WHEN, HOW, AND HOW LONG to volunteer in Africa.

IV. Selection criteria

Volunteerism in Africa is subjected to meeting certain requirements established by A.R.R-AMAHORO Organisation. For volunteers from Sweden and Finland, details regarding the requirements will be discussed in the information sessions to be held in Helsinki. The volunteers from other European countries will have to apply by filling in the form that includes the required criteria. Nevertheless, the volunteer will be responsible for travel arrangement including visa, flight round trip tickets, insurance, vaccine against malaria, daily transportation, etc.

V. Accommodation

For volunteers whose application will be considered by the board, accommodation facilities and some services will be provided during their stay. We will arrange a guest house equipped with one single bed and sleeping materials (sheets, pillow and mosquito net)
The services will include:
- a full board including breakfast, dinner and supper
- cloth washing and ironing
- cleaning shoes


VI. Fees regarding volunteerism in Africa.

In order that A.R.R-AMAHORO can arrange and cover the accommodation and service costs, every volunteer whose application is accepted will be expected to contribute as follows:
For 3 months the estimated fees are 990€ for food →(10€×1 day×30days)×3=900€ plus 90€ for the cooking staff. Only after the volunteer has arrived in the host country, he will choose how to make the payments, whether to pay every day, every week, every month or at once.
The volunteer must agree in advance the modest standard of accommodation, services, food and drink. Although the standards are modest, they must be arranged in such a way to meet the strict hygienic standards.


VII. Sponsors

Spontaneous donations from individuals and community groups are welcome. However, as a company, if you could provide new items that would be even better. They will all serve to strengthen our fundraising capability especially when they are donated in quantities. In that way, they will be sufficient to meet the needs of hundreds of thousands of Rwandan refugees in Africa.


B.PURPOSE OF DONATIONS, GIFTS AND GRANTS

Giving help is boosting hope and giving hope is giving life. The Rwandan conflict has produced many orphaned children, widows and thousands of refugees who fled the country and as we said, most of these refugees are scattered in Africa. The lack of income that refugee daily are facing results in severe (distress), diseases, abject poverty and malnutrition, lack of education, unemployment, etc. Refugees do not have access to basic necessities such as access to water, food, clothing, shelter, education, medication, and even entertainment rights, etc.
To address these problems, financial contributions and material donations are needed in order to enable A.R.R -AMAHORO carry out its activities efficiently. Your financial support and donations are needed to help refugees get back hope and begin to live like humans. It is important to mention that UNHCR, the UN institution in charge of refugee is overwhelmed with the refugee burden. Any other initiative that would contribute in helping people is recommended.
We shall therefore greatly appreciate the generosity of all who would like to help. We welcome your assistance either in cash or in kind (with donated items). Together we can certainly bring help and hope to people in great need! Together we can make a difference. Thank you for caring enough to help Rwandan refugees in Africa.
•How you can help

I. Become a monthly financial member /partner:
Anyone with good heart can decide to become an A.R.R-AMAHORO’s monthly partner and sponsor. There is no minimum or maximum amount to give. Just give what you can provide. The financial support may be monthly 10 €, 30€, 100€, 1000€, etc. You may be a private individual, a public or private company, a NGO, a Foundation, an Association, a Star of sport, a star of music or Cinema, etc. We would like to recognize and highlight a monthly sponsor as a special partner.

II. Give new or used good as gift
You can donate a new or used item in good condition according to the list above. We will organize the collection plan according to the direction from your phone call to us or your e-mail message. The item may be cloth, electronic supplies, school items, etc.

III. Sponsor one of our projects or events
There are many possibilities to get involved in the activities of A.R.R –AMAHORO. Don’t hesitate to let us know your propositions. We will certainly find a project or event that is close to your heart and business!

Contact Information :
Christophe Bizimungu
Virvatulentie 3 B 39
00930 Helsinki
Tel: 00358 400 605 724
E-mail: Christopher.bizimungu@yahoo.fr