Quest for justice and reconciliation in post-genocide Rwanda: an evaluation of the international and domestic legal responses

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Periodical article

Title:	Quest for justice and reconciliation in post-genocide Rwanda: an evaluation of the international and domestic legal responses
Author:	Olowu, Dejo
Year:	1999
Periodical:	Lesotho Law Journal: A Journal of Law and Development
Volume:	12
Issue:	2
Pages:	31-46
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Rwanda
Subjects:	international criminal law genocide international criminal courts criminal law offences against human rights courts
Abstract:	This article examines the judicial approaches that have been adopted in response to the 1994 Rwandan genocide and considers the obstacles that have been confronted in ending the culture of impunity and establishing sustainable peace in Rwanda. It scrutinizes the operations of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), the terms of Rwandan legislation on the handling of genocide-related cases, the introduction of local tribunals inspired by a traditional mechanism for dispute resolution known as 'gacaca', and the interaction of national and international jurisdictions in the Rwandan context. The paper analyses the human rights implications of each adjudicatory regime. Against the background of shortcomings in each system, appropriate and viable trajectories for the enhancement of criminal justice are highlighted, and the role which a truth commission or an amnesty process may play in the ultimate goal of reconciliation and nationbuilding in post-genocide Rwanda is examined. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]