International Forced Migration in Rwanda

International Forced Migration in Rwanda

1. History

   • 1994 Civil War between Tutsi and Hutu tribes
   • 1,000,000 killed in 3 months
   • Systematic rape of women
   • Migration between 1960-94 - 2 million Hutu refugees to Tanzania

2. Push Factors

   • Underemployment and economic decline due to political instability
   • Civil war and long term inter-ethnic violence
   • Famine and the death of 20% of the population

3. Pull Factors

   • Safety and stability
   • In 1985 the refugees were allowed to apply for a citizenship

4. Consequences

   • Economic
     • Economic decline in Rwanda leading to starvation where few men remained to tend the fields
     • Resources channeled to migrant camps
   • Social
     • water shortages in camps
     • 7,000 died in one day due to cholera and dysentery outbreaks
     • Violence within camps - murder and rape
     • Bodies left to rot as the volcanic earth wasn't diggable
     • Doctors and teachers were targeted leading to a lack of professionals in Rwanda
   • Environmental
     • Water pollution due to lack of sewage
     • Overgrazing of livestock reduced soil fertility
     • Deforestation in search of resouces

5. Current Situation

   • 40% under poverty line but hope to be a middle income country by 2020
   • Joined British Commonwealth
   • Improved tourism, roads, infrastructure