Villadolid, Martin Alfonso Bello Special Issues in International Law G03

11590637 Atty. Cruz - Ferrer

A Reflection on the Film Hotel Rwanda

Human rights, reinforcing dignity in the lives of everyone by respecting each

other is something that should be inherent in the hearts of all humans. Sadly, this was not
present in the hearts of the people of Rwanda in 1994. Conflict between the Hutus and
the Tutsis resulted into a heartbreaking moment in history. An estimate of 800,000 Tutsis
was slaughtered during the 100-day massacre; all victims of discrimination.
Take the river road Paul, it is much clearer this was the words of Georges
Rutaganda to Paul, after Paul collected his provisions for the hotel. What faced Paul and
his driver was a dark and foggy road, which later became a very uncomfortable ride. The
terrain became rough and the vehicle was having a hard time moving forward. As Paul
stepped down the vehicle to check the vicinity, to his surprise, his first step was not road,
but a corpse where he tripped and was drenched in dead Tutsi blood. For a moment,
Rutaganda was correct in saying that the river road was much clearer, but not in the sense
that it is better to travel in, but it is to make clear to the people that the Hutu militia is not
fooling around that what they come for is ethnic cleansing.
I admired Pauls character in the story, though he may seem selfish at times, his
character was a symbol of hope. From instilling courage into the people around him, and
keeping calm at the face of adversity. His wit saved not only his life, but saved together
with it hundreds more.
Despite Pauls fortunate turn of events, the whole story still saddened me. Besides
it being jam-packed with feelings, feelings that are not for the weak at heart, it showed
the sad reality of life. As the saying goes, it is a dog eat dog world. And in this film, it is a
perfect depiction on how, because of cultural differences, leads to such mass atrocity.
Where ending the lives of thousands of innocent people were seen to be the best solution
for Rwandas economic and social problems.
Whats worse is that this event did not occur during the medieval period where
men were more barbaric and diplomacy was yet to be established. This occurred in a time
where cars already roam the streets and people already wear shoes and suits. This was
already post-World War II, where the United Nations has already been established and
treaties and conventions have been signed by nations. Yet, after all policies and peace
talks, such atrocity still occurred.
The first signs of International Humanitarian Law was established on 1864, with
the goal to protect the lives of innocent in times of conflict. And through out the times,
the IHL has expounded itself into establishing ground rules in times of conflict, with the
main purpose of humanizing the whole process by lessening the risk of loss of life. Sadly,
however, despite all of these efforts, during spring of 1994, nearly 60 years after the
World War, genocide happened in Africa. It also frustrates to know that, even though the
UNs presence was there, with peacekeepers willing to risk their lives, bureaucracy
within the body that was supposed to protect the people opted not to interfere.
 JUS IN BELLO, a principle laid down by the IHL to regulate conduct of parties
engaged in armed conflict which seeks to minimize suffering and notably protecting and
assisting all victims of armed conflict to the greatest extent possible. Undoubtedly, the
UN in the film was visibly helping and doing what it can to save the most number of
lives, as seen in the actions of Colonel Oliver, but this was only after days the Rwandans
tried to stay alive. In a scene where it can be seen Colonel Oliver was obviously
frustrated of the news brought to him, he was at the bar, as Paul served him scotch he
uttered the words they think youre dung Paul, they dont care about you. Heart
breaking words to hear in a time where all lives inside the hotel are of imminent danger.
The UN, as depicted in the film, reminded me of the Americans during World War II.
They promised the Filipino people to stick with them and assist them at all cost, only to
be left behind with the words of General MacArthur. I shall return. Leaving the
Filipinos defenseless and left us to look after ourselves, only to come back when
everything is over and to take credit for all the glory where it really was just us, the
Filipinos who stood against the forces of the Japanese. Same went for Paul, where, only
because of his wit, the families and staff within the Hotel de Mille Collines survived.
Given this, it now baffles me what the IHL meant when it provided that it shall
protect and assist all victims of armed conflict to the greatest extent possible. What is
their definition of greatest extent possible, will it differ with regard the nations
contribution to the international community? If it (unspokenly) does, what happens to all
lives are equal. The UN at this instant desisted from help and decided to let the Rwandan
people settle their differences on their own. This despite the responsibility to protect,
where in case there is already incapability within the local government to protect its
citizens, it is the responsibility of the international community or the larger states to
interfere and assist the victims. But, the question is, when do they draw the line to when
they will lend a helping hand? Isnt it enough to know that random Tutsi people were
being massacred in the streets solely because of the reason of being Tuts? But sadly,
bureaucracy within the UN paved the way for its toleration. Perhaps, I shall leave them
the benefit of the doubt that it was a certain conflict that has no harden fast solution. Best
perhaps to leave it that way.
Worst, at present, here in our own country, a similar genocide is happening.
Where instead of Tutsis are left lying on the ground, it is the adiks and pushers.
Cleansing is what the administration is doing in this all-out-war-on-drugs, without regard
of due process and basic human rights of the individuals. But, credits to the UNHRC for
the continuous pressure given to this administration to put a halt to this mayhem. Hope is
still available to shed light, and I am hoping that real solutions are to be discovered by
this administration for this current problem. But, yes, this is another story.
There really is no perfect world, even more, perfect regulation. But, again hope is
still available to both restore and preserve humanity. Hoping for a better implementation
of the IHL and hoping that there be no more future atrocity similar to Rwandas to
happen.