CFF UFM HRF | Empowering Youth to Fight for Freedom · Anaïse Kanimba

Claudia Sánchez  | 07 de marzo de 2025  | Vistas: 6

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, the Director of Education and MPC, Ronald Flores, hosted Anaïse Kanimba, Senior Associate at Ridgely Walsh LLC.  Anaïse is originally from Rwanda, and has dedicated her life to human rights activism after experiencing firsthand the injustice that plagued her family and country. She shared her personal story of resilience, highlighting her journey from victim to advocate and illustrating the importance of standing up for liberty and freedom in the face of oppression.

Kanimba's shared that her story began with the tragic genocide in Rwanda in 1994, where over 800,000 lives were lost in a mere 100 days. Although her family fled to Belgium after the genocide, the scars of persecution remained. In 2017, her life took a dramatic turn when her father was kidnapped by the Rwandan government while living in exile in the United States. Forced into a political crisis, Kanimba fought tirelessly to secure her father’s release from prison, ultimately succeeding after global support. In the process, she realized the deep connection between personal freedom and the larger human rights struggle.

If we don't protect our freedom now as young people, we will lose it in the future." 

She explained that her experience led to a deeper understanding of how governments suppress freedoms, from Rwanda’s regime under President Kagame to similar tactics used by authoritarian leaders like Maduro and Putin. This realization sparked her passion for defending freedom not just for her family, but for others facing similar oppression worldwide. 

We see each other as a unity, as a one, for a better world, then it's possible that we can have a better world.”

Throughout the interview, Kanimba conveyed her belief in the power of collective action and individual agency. She acknowledged that, despite the challenges, it was essential for young people in Rwanda and beyond to take responsibility for the future of their freedom. 

I believe that we are all human beings who are free. Free to make our choices and free to do the right thing.”

In conclusion, Kanimba highlighted the struggles she has faced and her unwavering commitment to advocating for human rights and liberty. Her personal experience reinforces the significance of understanding the importance of freedom in shaping the future of nations.

Learn more about global struggles for liberty and the inspiring activists from the College Freedom Forum 2023.