Vanuatu’s response to the Rwandan Genocide was similar to that of the rest of the world; they did not involve themselves in the crisis, rather, they watched from afar as it occurred. But we cannot forget that Vanuatu is part of a far more powerful alliance; the United Nations, which could have provided substantial support during this crisis. When it comes to the Rwandan Genocide national support tended to follow the theme of too little too late. Conflict between the Tutsis and the Hutus was common before the genocide, so much so that the UN had already stationed peacekeepers in Rwanda to mediate conflict. Yet UN officers were under-educated and under-equipped for the conflict that was about to occur. The final triggering moment for the genocide was the death of Juvénal Habyarimana and Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira both of which were key figures in keeping the peace between the two groups. Once the genocide began chaos broke loose, and the UN found itself with its hands tied as legislation only allowed them to play a minor defensive role in the conflict. Later troops would start to pull out altogether and evacuation of UN personnel would begin. The atrocities occurring in Rwanda were no secret to the world, and while there were plenty of individuals who wanted to help, the world’s governments continued to shy away from the atrocity.

A group of United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) troopers carrying a deceased victim of the massacre.