THE RWANDAN GENOCIDE – FIRST COMMITTEE

• Should there be a permanent international tribunal to examine crimes against humanity and if so what shape would it take?

While and international tribunal to try human rights violators may deter future problems, it also may punish people or institutions that are specifically responsible. Several problems exist with the current, temporary tribunal such as lack of funding and competence. A permanent, international tribunal, however will take human rights violations out of local governments hands and place it within the world community. While this might deter future human rights violators and persecute the majority of them, the justice delivered may not be satisfy the local government.

• The Rwandan patriotic Front also committed crimes against humanity during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. They represent the current government in Rwanda (shaky as it is). Should their members be charged with these crimes against humanity?

In one opinion, all people and institutions that participated in the genocide in Rwanda should be persecuted. Justice should afflict all parties responsible. However, the RPF eventually ceased the genocide and restored a semblance of order into the bloody chaos. In order to prevent future problems in Rwanda and to make sure the country does not degenerate into mass killing again, the RPF can be excused from tribunal justice. This would be in the best interests of peace and order instead of adding to the already tumultuous situation.

· What are the roles the United Nations should play, if any, in inter and/or intra nation state conflicts?

· What role do the United Nations member nations states play in responding to these conflicts?

· How should the United Nations respond to signs of genocide?

· What institutions does the United Nations have at their disposal for leveraging peace in nations state conflicts.

· What is the role of the United nations in rebuilding of Rwanda as a country