Ebook: The Twa of Rwanda: Assessment of the Situation of the Twa and Promotion of Twa Rights in Post-War Rwanda

The genocidal conflict in Rwanda in 1994 caused international media and relief agencies to focus global attention on the struggle between Hutus and Tutsis for political supremacy in this small and impoverished country. In fact, those who have suffered most from the holocaust have been the Twa, a marginalised 'Pygmy' group despised by both majority groups as pariahs outside the boundaries of society.

This detailed report from the World Rainforest Movement highlights the plight of these people, detailing their own views and perspectives and enabling them to express their fears and aspirations in their own voice. The report exposes the cruel dilemmas facing African governments which seek to build national unity while respecting the continent's diverse cultures. Combatting discrimination obliges governments to recognise the inequities between African peoples and allow cultural identities to express themselves.

This report calls on the Government of Rwanda, aid and development agencies and all those involved with the Twa community to recognise the poverty, discrimination and lack of opportunity suffered by the Twa. It makes specific recommendations as to how these injustices could be redressed, so as to enable the Twa to take up their rightful role as full members of Rwandan society.