Démocratie

Rwanda
A lot of NGOs are working for victim’s rights, RCN Justice & Démocratie currently supports the
itinerant trials of the suspects of genocide crimes, which contributes to an improved proximity
of justice for the victims and the witnesses who become effective actors in the judicial process.
Ibuka is a NGO advocating for the rights of the survivors of genocide.
Victim’s rights in national and international justice
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The rights of the victims of International crimes
have been progressively integrated in the International
Conventions. Ignored by the Geneva
Convention of 1949, it is notably stipulated in the
International Covenant on Civil and Political rights in
1966 under the principle of the right to file a lawsuit and
the right for the victims to receive indemnities for violation
of their fundamental rights.
Devoted and detailed by the Declaration of basic principles
of justice for victims of crime and abuse of power
adopted in 1985 (1), the rights of the victim cover henceforth
the right to submit a court case, the right to psychological
assistance throughout the trial, the right to
protection of witnesses, the right to reparation of the
damages suffered and refund of the property despoiled.
The right recognised to victims is contained in a report in
1999 of Special Reporter Cherif Bassiouni2 highlighting
the principles of reparation to the victims of international
crimes.
At national level, in Rwanda, the rights of the victims
of genocide are practised both in classical and Gacaca
courts. However, it is important to acknowledge that in
the actual context, such right has encountered difficulties
so as to be fully effective. If they can freely bring a
case to court, the question of security of witnesses, the
delay of the promulgation of the law on reparations, the
trauma healing which needs psychological assistance
remain crucial concern and makes it even deterrent for
the victims to take part in the process of justice.
The rights of the victims are a concern for both the
Government and the civil society organisations. Ibuka,
being an umbrella organisation for the survivors’ organisations
in Rwanda, represents the survivors of genocide
both at national and international levels. It was established
in 1995 and it acquired its legal personality in 2001.
Ibuka’s primary responsibility consists in advocating for
the rights of the survivors of genocide, including issues
of justice, memory, and their social and economic problems.
In the framework of representing the survivors on
diverse levels, Ibuka has branches in various countries
notably: Belgium, Switzerland, France, United Kingdom,
Canada and another branch is underway to be established
in Uganda.
The collaboration between the branches is based on
information sharing mostly on justice issues, notably