PFR Delivers the Message of Restorative Justice to Hundreds of Rwandans

The principle of restorative justice (RJ) is changing the face of criminal justice systems worldwide. It is a global movement, shifting the focus from punishment to restoration. The ideas underlying RJ are particularly applicable and influential in Rwanda, where the harm caused by genocide crimes remains vast and pervasive. Restorative justice, often held in contrast to “retributive justice,” emphasizes post-conflict peace centered on reconciliation rather than post-conflict peace centered on fear. RJ holds that victims, offenders, and the community-at-large each play a part in delivering justice. Without participation from these three stakeholders, it is impossible to mend the wounds caused by crime. While crime may be an action committed against the state, it is most importantly an action committed against the individual and against the community.

Prison Fellowship Rwanda is dedicated to delivering the message of RJ to communities across Rwanda in the wake of the 1994 genocide. A recent partnership between PFR and the Belgium Embassy is making this ambition a reality: a grant awarded to PFR by the Embassy will enable PFR to bring the message of RJ to more than 1,000 people in 20 administrative sectors in Rwanda. PFR will accomplish this through a series of training workshops, each filled with discussions and interactive presentations. Ex-prisoners, genocide survivors, and local authorities all participate in these workshops, engaging with one another in the same room.

The workshops in each sector take place over the course of three full days. At the end of each three-day workshop, the participants are equipped with the knowledge, network, and support they need to meet regularly in committees and to put the principles of RJ to practice in their own communities. Participants of a variety of backgrounds and roles in the genocide are interviewed in all 20 sectors, conveying their stories and discussing the impact of the workshops on their lives and on the lives of others. These stories will be pieced together in a professionally-directed documentary film, which will proclaim the power of restorative justice and reconciliation to a worldwide audience.

PFR believes that these trainings are key to preventing future conflict in Rwanda; to empowering individuals to take part in the creation of a bright, peaceful future; and to making hope, unity, and reconciliation contagious in every part of Rwanda.

To date, 350 people in 7 administrative sectors, and counting, have completed RJ training led by PFR. The training sessions will continue for two years. A full curriculum on the principles and practice of RJ, carefully designed to deliver the message in a clear, concise way, guides each session. Participants in the sessions discuss the nature and causes of conflict; the role of sin in conflict; ways to prevent and resolve conflict; the impact of conflict; the role of reconciliation in conflict; and RJ as a successful approach to peaceful living. In closing each session, participants are assigned to a committee representing each administrative sector. These committees serve as mediating bodies for any conflicts that arise in that sector, fostering community dialogue and cooperation. PFR keeps in touch with these committees to monitor progress and to evaluate the realization of RJ among people all over Rwanda.

Thoughts from Restorative Justice Training Participants

Speciose BATAMURIZA
Born 1971

Speciose survived the genocide but lost both of her parents. She has 5 children. Before the genocide, Speciose lived in an orphanage and taught the young children living there. Now, she lives in a home with a group of widows who also survived the genocide. She dedicates her life to helping them overcome the trauma they experienced.

“I’ve attended several talks about trauma in the past, but I’ve never sat in the same room with so many different groups debating about forgiveness. The people in the room opened their hearts, and I was able to open my own heart. I am able to forgive.”

“What touched me the most about this training was our discussion about reconciliation. We can talk all day about conflict and ways to prevent it, but we won’t get anywhere without reconciliation. Reconciliation is the bridge that connects transformation to development.”

Théogene HABYARIMANA
Born 1975

Théogene participated as a perpetrator in the genocide. He was imprisoned for his crimes for 6 years following the massacres, and he has repented for the atrocities he committed. He is now married with 3 children.

“It is amazing how victims and perpetrators can come together today and have discussions about the past, present, and future without fear.”

“This has been a chance for me to train together with victims and the community-at-large. This is a chance for all of us to say good-bye to living in fear.”

“I’ve been transformed by what I’ve learned here. I’m ready to go into the community to talk to people about the things I’ve learned. I feel comfortable and open about having discussions.”

Paul MUNYEMANA

Born 1943

Paul was born in the southern province of Rwanda. He went into exile in 1961 and lived in Burundi until shortly after the genocide. When he returned to Rwanda, he found that all 8 members of his family had been killed.

“An angry man hears nothing. A man must open his ears to what other men have to say. We need to actively engage in conflict. We need to talk with one another, even if we need the help of a mediator. Running away from the problem is never the way to handle conflict.”

“I’m an old man. I know Rwanda’s history well. The first thing we must pay attention to now is the children. In order to keep genocide from happening again, we must go back to our communities and talk to the young generations about their country’s history.”

“The second thing we need to do is tell the country’s leaders. We need to make sure that they understand their country’s history and the importance of reconciliation.”