Bill Summary
This legislation acknowledges and recognizes the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, where nearly 1,000,000 Tutsi were massacred over a four-month period by the Hutu-led government and Hutu neighbors. The legislation also acknowledges that moderate Hutu who opposed the government's genocidal plan were also killed during this time. It states that this act was a grave violation of human rights and the rule of law, causing immense suffering. The legislation highlights the need for countries to work together to protect vulnerable populations, uphold human rights, and prevent genocide. It also acknowledges the annual commemoration of the genocide on April 7th and emphasizes the importance of remembering the victims and supporting the survivors. The legislation reaffirms the commitment to preventing genocide and promoting human rights and democratic values around the world.
Possible Impacts
1. The legislation recognizes and acknowledges the suffering and pain endured by the victims of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. This may bring closure and comfort to survivors and their families, but also serve as a reminder of the atrocities committed and the need to prevent similar events from happening again.
2. The legislation reaffirms the commitment of the United States and other countries to promote peace, reconciliation, and development in Rwanda. This could potentially lead to increased aid and support for the country and its people, particularly those affected by the genocide.
3. The legislation highlights the importance of preventing genocide and other mass atrocities and promoting human rights and democratic values. This could result in increased efforts and resources being dedicated to preventing and addressing such atrocities in other parts of the world.
[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 256 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 256
Observing the 29th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi
in Rwanda.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 27, 2023
Mr. Kelly of Mississippi submitted the following resolution; which was
referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Observing the 29th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi
in Rwanda.
Whereas the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda has been internationally
recognized as the massacre of nearly 1,000,000 Tutsi within a four-month
period by the nation's Hutu-led Government and Hutu neighbors as part of
a systematic program of genocide;
Whereas moderate Hutu who were opposed to the Hutu-led Government's genocidal
plan were also murdered during this time;
Whereas this atrocity constituted a grave violation of human rights and the rule
of law, causing untold pain and suffering;
Whereas the genocide against the Tutsi has left a solemn reminder that the
United States and countries around the world must work together to
protect the vulnerable, uphold human rights, and prevent genocide;
Whereas on April 7 of each year since 1994 the world has commemorated the
genocide against the Tutsi to honor the memory of the men, women, and
children who died and to express solidarity with the survivors; and
Whereas this commemoration not only remembers the victims of the genocide
against the Tutsi in Rwanda but also helps to build bridges of
understanding between different people and fortify the commitment to
human rights, protection against persecution and violence, individual
liberty, and a free society for all people: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) observes the 29th anniversary of the 1994 genocide
against the Tutsi in Rwanda and remembers the victims and
survivors of this tragedy;
(2) recognizes the ongoing efforts of the people and
Government of Rwanda to promote peace, reconciliation, and
development, and pledges to continue its support for these
efforts; and
(3) reaffirms its commitment to preventing genocide and
other mass atrocities, and to promoting human rights and
democratic values around the world.
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