Sir, As one of the NGOs in Rwanda since 1994. I feel it is necessary at this stage to emphasise that the challenge of the Great Lakes has not ended with the return of the Rwandan refugees. When the scenes of the exodus disappear from our screens, the enormous challenge is the rehabilitation and peaceful co existence of all ethnic groups in Rwanda and in the Great Lakes area.
Refugee Trust has been quietly preparing for this eventuality with the local people since 1994, reconstructing health clinics and re establishing the local services of the communes of Mugambazi, Giti, Bicumbi and Kanombe. In particular, we have been able to integrate 5,000 unaccompanied children into the extended family structure.
We are now actively involved in the transportation returnees to their communes of residence facilitating their reception and registration, distributing food and nonfood items assisting in the temporary provision of water and sanitation services, etc., etc. My purpose in writing this letter is to emphasise the enormous needs of these 700,000 people, whose plight can easily be forgotten when the drama of the exodus is complete.
We in Ireland are keenly aware that the dialogue and support between the Governments of the Great Lakes District and the international community must continue, in order to facilitate the process of peace and reconciliation at this crucial point in Rwandan history. - Yours, etc.,
CSSp, Executive Director,
Refugee Trust,
Lr Dublin Road,
Stillorgan,
Co Dublin.