Rwandan Stories: an introduction

As Rwanda begins another time of memorial, we remember with our friends >

In 1994, decades of suspicion and hate erupted into a frenzy of killing in Rwanda, resulting in the death of almost one million people over 100 days.

As in all cases of genocide and war, the survivors - both victims and perpetrators - are left with a terrible legacy of loss, pain and shame. In an endless cycle of revenge, victims become offenders and add their chapter to the story of suffering and loss.

In Rwanda, Hutu and Tutsi men and women are making startling choices as they face the challenges of rebuilding a nation - and their own lives. In this growing collection, their stories offer choices on the way to peace.

Some of the stories

Images and video of Rwanda today. A cross-section of everyday life and people >>

CHOICES: THE DVD

In this short clip, John Steward talks briefly about the genocide and the background to the DVD "Choices on the way to peace"

REVENGE

The desire for revenge is a normal human response to hurt. In Rwanda, acts of revenge have caused a lot of suffering....

PRISCA

"When I speak about the genocide it hurts me inside because it was so terrible. My husband was attacked by the militia..."

PLEASE NOTE: you may find the first part of this story distressing.