Since the genocide against the Tutsi and other massacres against moderate Hutu in Rwanda in 1994, judicial authorities in Europe, Rwanda and a UN tribunal have opened thousands of formal investigations and court cases against alleged perpetrators. In addition to the over 10 000 individuals tried by the Rwandan authorities, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda has opened 93 cases and EU Member States judicial authorities have opened over 100 cases.
Many potential perpetrators fled to EU Member States and other countries around the world after the genocide, making the opening of cases in the EU essential to fight impunity. Today, thirty years after the genocide, efforts to combat impunity continue in EU Member States, with Belgium and France taking the lead. These two countries currently have 83 ongoing proceedings, initiated based on universal or extraterritorial jurisdiction. Highlighting the importance of these efforts, the figures were presented during the annual EU Day Against Impunity, which was hosted by Eurojust on 23 May, focused on justice for Rwanda, thirty years after the genocide.
This year’s EU Day Against Impunity paid particular attention to increased international cooperation to continue the process of justice for victims of the genocide. In view of this, over 120 participants joined the online event, focused on successful prosecutions and lessons learned for future cases. The panellists also discussed methods to increase evidence and information sharing and how to further consider the perspective of victims in the judicial process. Raising awareness of the role of the EU among affected communities in Rwanda was also highlighted. For this reason, the event was also livestreamed and interpreted into French to reach a wider Rwandan audience.
The participants in this year’s EU Day Against Impunity included specialised prosecutors for core international crimes, such as war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide from EU Member States, Rwanda and third countries, as well as civil society organisations.
The event was opened by Mr Paul Van Tigchelt, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice of Belgium, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union; Vice-President of the European Commission Ms Věra Jourová; and Eurojust Vice-President Ms Margarita Šniutytė-Daugėlienė. Keynote speeches were delivered by Mr Aimable Havugiyaremye, Prosecutor General of Rwanda and Mr Serge Brammertz, Chief Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice of Belgium, Mr Paul Van Tigchelt underlined; It is incumbent upon us to not only remember the past, but also to learn from itand commit ourselves to honouring the memory of the victims by tirelessly working to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again.
On the importance of continuing the fight against impunity, European Commission Vice-President Jourová stated: Today, we commemorate the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda 30 years ago. As the situation in Rwanda demonstrated, holding perpetrators of genocide to account can be difficult, but is necessary to restore justice and set a new course for victims. The Union strongly supports the EU Genocide Network at Eurojust, which continues to play a key role in working towards a world free of impunity.
Eurojust Vice President Ms Šniutytė-Daugėlienė pointed out: History shows that peace cannot come without justice and reconciliation. Thirty years since the genocide in Rwanda, and for as long as it takes, we are still dedicated, individually and collectively, to bring to justice those responsible for the atrocity crimes that were committed. For prosecutors and judges from the European continent and beyond, Eurojust is and will continue to be a relentless partner in getting justice done.
Prosecutor General of Rwanda, Mr Havugiyaremye, said: In fighting against impunity for genocide against Tutsi, Rwandans transformed their suffering into a creative force and opted for justice and reconciliation. Eradication of the culture of impunity for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes is a struggle of a lifetime, and each of us, in every generation, must do our part and remember that justice anywhere is justice everywhere.
Chief Prosecutor of the IRMCT Mr Brammertz pointed out: Thirty years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, it is more critical than ever that fugitive génocidaires are brought to justice. Together, the Office of the Prosecutor, Rwandan authorities and law enforcement from EU Member States are strengthening their cooperation and intensifying their efforts. As we remember the suffering of the victims and survivors, we must rededicate ourselves to holding perpetrators of genocide accountable.
Eurojust hosts the Genocide Network Secretariat (GNS), which enables close cooperation between national judicial authorities for the investigation and prosecution of core international crimes. The Secretariat organises the annual EU Day Against Impunity in close cooperation with the Presidency of the Council of the EU, the European Commission and Eurojust.
Core international crimes are not statute-barred and can therefore be prosecuted long after they have been committed. The passing of time should never hinder efforts for accountability, which remain of great importance to communities affected by such crimes. The GNS and Eurojust stand ready to assist national authorities, at their request, to provide rapid cross-border cooperation and advice on legal matters and procedures in the different countries concerned.
