The United Nations has stripped the “Mapping Report” of all legal or historical credibility.
“The Government of Rwanda has consistently argued that the report is inherently flawed. We note that the UN also recognizes that the report omits crucial historical context, uses problematic methodology and sourcing, and the standard of proof used to justify the allegations in it is woefully inadequate”, said Louise Mushikiwabo, Foreign Minister and Government Spokesperson.
“It seems clear that no amount of tinkering can resuscitate the credibility of this fundamentally misguided process. This report is yet another attempt to distort Rwanda’s history and prolong instability in the Great Lakes Region,” said Mrs Mushikiwabo.
Rwanda will continue to defend herself against all attempts to rewrite our history in any form and in any forum, including reserving the right to review our various engagements with the UN.”
Notes to editors:
Rwanda submitted a 30-page document with detailed comments on the Mapping Report that is available on www.gov.rw. The seven areas of objection by Rwanda to the Mapping
Report are:
1. The manipulation of UN processes by organizations and individuals—both inside and outside the UN—for purposes of rewriting history, improperly apportioning blame for the genocide that occurred in Rwanda, and reignite the conflict in Rwanda and the region.
2. The omission of the historical context, especially the immediate and serious threat posed by armed and ideologically charged refugees positioned right at the border of Rwanda and Zaire, as well as the nature of the conflict within Zaire at the time. This is despite the UN’s knowledge of the situation and its blatant inaction.
3. The contradiction between the report and contemporaneous accounts of the situation from the UN Security Council, NGOs and many other eyewitnesses in the region who confirmed that genocidal forces, often posing as civilian refugees, were operating under the cover of UN refugee camps.
4. The flawed methodology and application of the lowest imaginable evidentiary standard.
5. The overreliance on the use of anonymous sources, hearsay assertions, unnamed, unvetted and unidentified investigators and witnesses, who lack credibility; and allegation of the existence of victims with uncertain identity.
6. Failure to address the glaring inconsistency that claims of genocide are directly contradicted by Rwanda’s extensive and coordinated efforts to repatriate, resettle and reintegrate 3.2 million Hutu refugees; efforts that were supported by the UN.
7. The dangerous and irresponsible attempt by the Report to undermine the peace and stability attained in the Great Lakes region, which directly contradicts the very mission of the United Nations.
Contact:
Igor Marara – Office of the Government Spokesperson (t): +250 252 59 91 28 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +250 252 59 91 28 end_of_the_skype_highlighting (m) +250 788305218 imarara@minaffet.gov.rw
Yolande Makolo – Communications Office (t)+250 78818 2016 (m) +250 788306800 ymakolo@gov.rw
