Genocide

A People Betrayed: The Role of the West in Rwanda’s Genocide by Linda Melvern_eBook and Audiobook, with Supplemental_Rwanda: A Nation Resilient in the Aftermath of Genocide, by Samuel Totten

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Book Summary

“A People Betrayed: The Role of the West in Rwanda’s Genocide” by Linda Melvern offers a critical analysis of the international community’s failure to prevent and respond to the Rwandan genocide that occurred in 1994. The book examines the political, social, and historical contexts that led to the genocide, focusing on the complicity and inaction of Western governments and organizations. Melvern argues that the West’s neglect and misguided policies significantly contributed to the scale of the tragedy, highlighting the moral responsibilities of the international community in the face of human rights atrocities.

Essential Themes and Historical Context:

  1. Introduction to the Rwandan Genocide
    • Overview of the genocide and its historical significance
    • Introduction to the themes of betrayal and complicity
  2. Historical Background
    • Exploration of Rwanda’s colonial history and ethnic tensions
    • The impact of Belgian colonialism on Hutu-Tutsi relations
    • Key events leading up to the genocide, including the civil war
  3. The Build-Up to Genocide
    • Analysis of the political climate in Rwanda in the early 1990s
    • The role of propaganda and hate speech in inciting violence
    • Examination of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and its goals
  4. International Response and Inaction
    • Evaluation of the United Nations’ involvement prior to and during the genocide
    • Critique of Western governments’ policies and actions (or lack thereof)
    • Discussion on the role of NGOs and humanitarian organizations
  5. The Genocide Unfolds
    • Detailed account of the events during the genocide from April to July 1994
    • Personal testimonies and narratives of survivors
    • Examination of the tactics used by perpetrators and the scale of violence
  6. Consequences of Inaction
    • Analysis of the aftermath of the genocide and its global implications
    • The long-term effects on Rwandan society and regional stability
    • Discussion of accountability and justice for the perpetrators
  7. Lessons Learned and Unlearned
    • Reflection on the lessons from the Rwandan genocide for international relations
    • Examination of how the genocide has influenced humanitarian intervention policies
    • Critique of the ongoing failures to address similar crises worldwide
  8. Conclusion
    • Summary of key arguments and insights from Melvern’s analysis
    • Call for recognition of moral responsibility in preventing future genocides

A People Betrayed: The Role of the West in Rwanda’s Genocide_eBook

In Rwanda in 1994 one million people were killed in a planned, public and political campaign. For six years Linda Melvern has worked on the story of this horrendous crime, and this book, a classic piece of investigative journalism, is the result. Its new and startling information has the making of an international scandal. The book contains a full narrative account of how the genocide unfolded and describes its scale, speed and intensity. And the book provides a terrible indictment, not just of the UN Security Council, but even more so of governments and individuals who could have prevented what was happening but chose not to do so. Drawing on a series of in-depth interviews, the author also tells the story of the unrecognized heroism of those who stayed on during the genocide – volunteer UN peacekeepers, their Force Commander the Canadian Lt.-General Romeo A. Dallaire, and Philippe Gaillard, the head of a delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, helped by medical teams from Medecins Sans Frontieres. The international community, which fifty years ago resolved that genocide never happened again, not only failed to prevent it happening in Rwanda, but, as this book shows, international funds intended to help the Rwandan economy actually helped to create the conditions that made the genocide possible. Documents held in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, as well as hitherto unpublished evidence of secret UN Security Council deliberations in New York, reveal a shocking sequence of events.
What happened in Rwanda shows that despite the creation of an organization set up to prevent a repetition of genocide – for the UN is central to this task – it failed to do so, even when the evidence was indisputable. At a time when increasing attention is being given to the need for UN reform, this book provides evidence to urgently accelerate and focus that process. Only by understanding how and why the genocide happened can there be any hope that this new century will break with the dismal record of the last.

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A People Betrayed: The Role of the West in Rwanda’s Genocide_Audiobook

Audio start in earnest (Rwanda Genocide April 1994 @ 4 mins. 55 sec.) and corresponds to page 14 of the above Reader.

Part 1

Part 2

Supplemental_Rwanda: A Nation Resilient in the Aftermath of Genocide, by Samuel Totten

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War Against the Weak_Eugenics and America’s Campaign to Create a Master Race (Expanded Edition) eBook and Audiobook, by Edwin Black

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Book Summary

“War Against the Weak: Eugenics and America’s Campaign to Create a Master Race” by Edwin Black explores the history of the eugenics movement in the United States, its philosophical underpinnings, and its impact on society. The book details how eugenics influenced policies aimed at controlling human reproduction, promoting racial purity, and ultimately, how these ideas contributed to the horrors of the Holocaust. Black argues that the eugenics movement was not only a European phenomenon but had deep roots and significant implementation in America.

Topics the Book Covers:

  1. Introduction to Eugenics
    • Definition and origins of eugenics
    • Overview of key figures in the movement
  2. The Philosophical Foundations
    • Social Darwinism and its influence
    • The role of science and pseudoscience in promoting eugenics
  3. Eugenics in America
    • Early eugenics movements in the U.S.
    • Key organizations and individuals involved (e.g., American Eugenics Society)
    • Public support and government endorsement
  4. Legislation and Policies
    • Overview of significant laws (e.g., sterilization laws)
    • Case studies of states implementing eugenics policies
    • Impact on marginalized groups (disabled, minorities)
  5. Eugenics and Immigration
    • How eugenics influenced immigration policies
    • Racial and ethnic discrimination in immigration laws
  6. The Role of Institutions
    • Eugenics in education and public health
    • The involvement of universities and medical institutions
  7. International Influence
    • American eugenics’ impact on Nazi Germany
    • The transfer of ideas and practices across borders
  8. Public Backlash and Decline
    • Critiques and challenges to eugenics
    • The eventual decline of the movement post-World War II
  9. Legacy of Eugenics
    • Lasting effects on American society and policies
    • Modern implications and ethical discussions
  10. Conclusion: Reflections on the moral lessons of the eugenics movement and call for awareness and vigilance against similar ideologies today.

War Against the Weak_eBook

War Against the Weak is the gripping chronicle documenting how American corporate philanthropies launched a national campaign of ethnic cleansing in the United States, helped found and fund the Nazi eugenics of Hitler and Mengele — and then created the modern movement of “human genetics.” Some 60,000 Americans were sterilized under laws in 27 states. This expanded edition includes two new essays on state genocide.

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War Against the Weak_Audiobook

Part 1

Audio start in earnest (Introduction @ 15 mins. 38 sec.) and corresponds to page 20 of the above Reader.

Part 2

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WE STILL CHARGE GENOCIDE: Spirit of Mandela International Tribunal (October 22-25, 2021)

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Last updated 09-01-2024

https://spiritofmandela.org/international-tribunal

On October 22-25 2021, the Spirit of Mandela Coalition organized and hosted an International Tribunal which we successfully charged the United States government, its states, and specific agencies with human and civil rights violations against Black, Brown, and Indigenous people.

  • Racist police killings of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people.
  • Hyper incarcerations of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people.
  • Political incarceration of Civil Rights/National Liberation era revolutionaries and activists, as well as present day activists.
  • Environmental racism and its impact on Black, Brown, and Indigenous people.
  • Public Health racism and disparities and its impact on Black, Brown, and Indigenous people.
  • Genocide of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people as a result of the historic and systemic charges of all the above.

OUTCOMES & OPPORTUNITIES

Click for full size poster.
Also see RBG Communiversity eLibrary: Genocides_Past and Present Folder

The 2021 International Tribunal has a unique set of outcomes and an opportunity to organize on a mass level across many social justice arenas. Upon the verdict, the results of the Tribunal will:

  • Codify and publish the content and results of the Tribunal to be offered in High Schools and University curriculums.
  • Provide organized, accurate information for reparation initiatives and community and human rights work.
  • Present a stronger case, building upon previous and respected human rights initiatives, on the international stage.
  • Establish a healthy and viable massive national network of community organizations, activists, clergy, academics, and lawyers concerned with challenging human rights abuses on all levels and enhancing the quality of life for all people.
  • Strengthen the demand to free all Political Prisoners and establish a Truth & Reconciliation Commission mechanism to lead to their freedom.
  • Establish the foundation to build a “Peoples’ Senate” representative of all 50 states, Indigenous Tribes, and major religions.

11 Video Playlist

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People’s Indictment 22 October 2021 (Draft 1_Full):

FINAL VERDICT of the 2021 INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL:

Learn More: Nelson Mandela Rules

Spirit of Mandela is a campaign to bring international attention to U.S. human rights violations of Black, Brown, Indigenous People, and U.S. held political prisoners.

https://spiritofmandela.org/
Clickable Photo
Credits: AP 2020. FILE – In this Feb. 13, 1990 file photo, Nelson Mandela and his wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, gesture as they arrive at Soccer City Stadium in Soweto, South Africa two days after after being released after serving 27 years in prison. Mandela’s release set off joyous celebrations and violent clashes as supporters welcomed Mandela back from years in jail. (AP Photo/Udo Weitz, File)

The Peoples’ Senate is a national cohesive network of people reflective of poor and working-class communities across the United States; joined together to protect, champion, and uphold the human rights of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people, and by doing so, ensure the human rights of all people.https://spiritofmandela.org/intro-peoples-senate

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YOUR VOICE MATTERS. JOIN THE PEOPLES’ SENATE: The Peoples’ Senate is a national cohesive network reflective of poor and working-class communities across the United States, its colonies and territories; working together to protect, champion and uphold the human rights of Black, Brown, and Indigenous peoples, thus ensuring the human rights of all people.
https://spiritofmandela.org/intro-peoples-senate

Learn and Get Involved:

RBG Communiversity Knowledge Media eLibrary | Spirit of Mandela Folder