CFF UFM HRF | Becoming Freedom Fighters · Anaïse Kanimba

Claudia Sánchez  | 07 de marzo de 2025  | Vistas: 4

The College Freedom Forum is an initiative of the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), an organization that promotes the defense of human rights around the world. In the eighth edition of the event held at the Universidad Francisco Marroquin, activists from different countries present their experiences in the pursuit of freedom and the fight against human rights violations.

Anaïse Kanimba, a Rwandan human rights activist who grew up under the shadow of the Rwandan genocide, shared her personal journey and the importance of fighting for liberty and justice in Rwanda.

The fight for justice and liberty is not just a battle for today, but a fight for future generations."

Anaïse Kanimba’s story is deeply tied to Rwanda's tragic history. She is the daughter of a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. She has dedicated her life to advocating for the victims of the genocide, promoting justice, and pushing for greater accountability within Rwanda's current government.

During her talk, Anaïse discussed how the wounds of the genocide continue to affect Rwandans today, with ongoing issues related to justice, reconciliation, and political freedom. As an activist, she has been involved in numerous initiatives aimed at supporting victims and survivors, ensuring their stories are heard, and working towards rebuilding a society that values human rights and democracy.

Words can kill, but words can also save people”.

Anaïse also highlighted the challenges of advocating for human rights in an authoritarian regime, where freedom of speech and assembly are severely restricted. She explained how the Rwandan government’s efforts to suppress dissent impacted the lives of those who dared to speak out for justice, and the role international solidarity played in supporting these efforts. 

In addition to her work in Rwanda, Anaïse shared her experiences as a member of the diaspora, advocating for the rights of Rwandans abroad and raising global awareness about the situation in her home country. Her story highlighted the importance of liberty and justice for both those living under oppressive regimes and the international community supporting them. Anaïse's session provided valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for freedom in Rwanda and offered a personal perspective on the challenges of activism in a repressive environment.

 Anaïse explained that in their advocacy, the most significant source of hope came from the support of people who recognized the injustice they were facing and decided to take action. Using platforms such as social media and networks, these individuals' efforts helped free their father.

The family is speaking out once again as Rwanda is involved in a conflict with the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Anaïse emphasized that security should not come at the expense of human rights and freedom. The situation is largely driven by Rwanda's pursuit of resources in the DRC, which is rich in minerals essential for technology. This has raised concerns about the stability of the region.

I realized that what really was a source of hope for me was the humanity I saw in people.”

Support is crucial to help protect the people of the Congo and maintain their sovereignty. Raising awareness about this issue is essential, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability for everyone.

Explore more content on global human rights struggles and activism from the College Freedom Forum 2024.