Reconciliation and Reintegration after Genocide: Understanding the Needs of Incarcerated Genocide Perpetrators in Rwanda.

• In Event: Assessing Justice System Needs for Victims and Offenders

Abstract

This study identifies the needs of genocide perpetrators currently incarcerated in Rwanda, as they face the prospect of release, community reentry, and community reintegration. Utilizing survey data from 303 male and female prisoners incarcerated in the Rwandan Correctional System for the crime of genocide, and semi-structured interviews with 75 perpetrators, this study explores génocidaires’ experiences of somatic symptoms, responses to stressful life events, protective factors, attitudes towards reconciliation, and identified supports prior to their reentry and reintegration into society.

Strong associations were found between trauma experiences, somatic symptoms anxiety and depression. Hostility was strongly correlated with somatic symptoms, anxiety, and depression. Notions of forgiveness were central to attitudes towards reconciliation and successful reintegration. Interestingly, an absence of family support during the prison sentence is correlated with more positive attitudes towards reconciliation. The perceived challenges of community reintegration of génocidaires were explored. Reconnection with children, rebuilding destroyed homes, and resolving land disputes were perceived to be immediate challenges. Over the longer term, génocidaires desired to reach the level of development of the wider Rwandan society, utilize modern farming techniques learned in prison, and work together to build a stronger, peaceful Rwanda.

Authors

• Kevin Barnes-Ceeney, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Lior Gideon, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Laurie Leitch, Threshold GlobalWorks