The National Assistance Fund for Needy Survivors of Genocide and Massacres in Rwanda (FARG) estimates that 26,000 of the 300,000 disabled are missing one or more limbs. One of many disturbing stories to emerge from the genocide was the large-scale massacre of deaf people, and the killing by Hutu death squads of nearly all of the 750 mentally handicapped patients in the country’s psychiatric hospital (Pascal Mutabizi, ‘Focus on Deaf People in Rwanda’, Disability International 1998).

 

PWDs were not only targeted during the genocide: their numbers increased also. As much of the killing was carried out by machete, many of those who did not die were left with disabilities – limps amputated, disabling scars, and widespread trauma. People were disabled through injuries sustained by mines, bombs and bullets; still more were disabled indirectly. The number of PWDs increased because of diversion of resources during the genocide, with malnutrition being a key factor. Disruption to vaccination programmes and the health system were also contributory factors. Research on the impact of the genocide on mental health is still ongoing, but one study found that 50% of participants met the criteria for a psychiatric disorder.

 

The targeting of PWDs during the genocide underlines the inhumanity involved; and the creation of disability acts as a constant, living reminder of the pain and suffering the Rwandan population underwent in 1994. In this way, the small number of PWDs in Rwanda should have an important part to play in the continuing rebuilding of Rwanda. The PWDs of the genocide clearly have a symbolic significance, but conversely the genocide should not  be overplayed as a factor in disability in Rwanda.

 

The Gatagara Centre in Rwanda suggests that the genocide is not the major cause of disability – poverty, disease, accidents, ignorance and congential causes play a much larger role. As with many less developed countries, negative attitudes to PWDs are pervasive, with disability being seen as a source of shame. In Rwanda, disabled people are commonly addressed by their disability rather than their real name. It seems, however, that the genocide plays a role in the acceptance of different kinds of disability. Physical disability is more accepted, especially amputees, perhaps because it is more wide-spread after the genocide.   Blind and deaf people are particularly isolated.

 

As mentioned in a previous post (16^th December 2008), the Rwandan government has a key role to play in improving the situation for PWDs. The authorities are aware of the importance of considering the PWD community, and have included a specific paragraph on disability in their 10 year development plan. 

 

Public awareness on this issue should also be improved by achievements in the arena of disabled sport. In 2004, Rwanda won its first Olympic medal: a bronze in the 800m in the Para-Olympics.  This success grew out of the efforts of the Federation Rwandaise Handi Sport, which involves disabled sportspeople in volleyball, athletics, swimming and other activities. International events have raised the profile of disabled sport, an area that can have a huge practical and symbolic impact on the lives of PWDs and the communities they live in.

 

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Sources: ‘Mainstreaming disability in development: Country-level research. Rwanda Country Report, April 2005’ by Philippa Thomas, Disability Knowledge and Research.