Human Rights Watch Mourns Loss of Alison Des Forges

In a world in which death in a wide variety of forms, including plane crashes, makes much of the daily news, there is the serious risk of getting our senses numbed into passivity. The situation changes dramatically when we know the victims personally. News of Alison’s death in a plane crash was not only a personal tragedy for those who knew her, but also sent shock waves to all those who knew her devoted service to human rights and humanitarian causes. My relationship with Alison and her husband, Roger, went back to our days at Yale University. We later reconnected when we participated in numerous meetings over the years. I saw her passionate advocacy in attempts to stop the Rwandan genocide, document it, and address its aftermath. Her devoted service to public causes extended to tireless advocacy for human rights in particular. And she did all this with remarkable objectivity, courage and dignified humility.

Coming from a part of the world where tragedy is commonplace, I have come to see death and life as closely connected. Culturally, our people see immortality through the memory of the dead by the living: relatives, friends and the wide circle of people one has touched in one’s lifetime. By that criterion, Alison will certainly be remembered by large numbers of people. Her memory will also remain a source of inspiration for those who knew her and worked with her. My heartfelt condolences go to her family and her colleagues at Human Rights Watch.

Francis M. Deng​

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Nous avons appris le décès de votre collaboratrice, Alison Des Forges, dans le crash d’un vol, aux Etats-Unis, le 12 février dernier, et je tenais à m’associer aux très nombreuses voix qui ont exprimé leur peine, pour lui rendre hommage, au nom d’Amnesty International France, vous dire notre tristesse, et partager l’émotion ressentie par ses collègues, ses amis, sa famille et par toutes celles et tous ceux qui ont eu la chance de la connaître ou de croiser un jour son chemin.

Avec nos plus sincères condoléances.

Geneviève Garrigos
Présidente
Amnesty International France

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Mr. Kenneth Roth
Executive Director
Human Rights Watch

February 20, 2009

Dear Ken Roth,

The Coalition for the International Criminal Court Secretariat sends our deepest sympathies for the recent passing of Dr. Alison Des Forges and wishes to acknowledge the brave and impactful life she led. Her tragic death is a significant loss for the human rights, peace and justice community worldwide. Alison’s tireless work as an expert on the Rwandan genocide established an incredible legacy that will continue to serve as an example for individual advocates and organizations working toward peace and a more just world. Alison’s contributions to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and other transnational proceedings were instrumental in prosecuting those responsible for the atrocities that took place in Rwanda. These steps toward ending impunity have paved the way for a more widespread international justice system. Allison’s commitment to securing justice was unyielding, and we share in mourning the loss of a truly remarkable activist.

Warm regards,

William Pace
Convenor
Coalition for the International Criminal Court

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Alison and I were high school friends at Niskayuna, where I was a year ahead of her. It was clear already there that she was in a class by herself. Our paths crossed again at Yale, where we would run into each other at the library. Since then, I was able to follow her career, in part thanks to NPR and was filled with admiration for her work. In spite of not having seen her for many years, I am filled with a tremendous sense of loss. I grieve with her family, with all those whose lives she touched, and for those whose lives she will not touch because of her untimely death. She truly embodied St. Teresa of Avila's words, which I am taking the liberty of modifying to emphasize their universality:
God has no body now on earth but yours,
no hands but yours,
no feet but yours,
Yours are the eyes through which looks out
God's compassion to the world
Yours are the feet with which he is to go about
doing good;
Yours are the hands with which he is to bless men now.

Elizabeth Meier Tilton
Boulder, Colorado

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It was with great sadness that we have learned about the loss of Alison Des Forges. That she died so suddenly in this tragedy is still unbelievable for all of us.
As a scholar she has contributed with great tenacity, endurance and scientific precision to the fact, that the history and root causes of the genocide in Rwanda could no longer be ignored. Even a long time before the genocide, she was a tireless warner and did not accept any excuses by the international community who pretended not to know about the growing tensions in the country.
Her research has compiled such an abundance of facts and detailed analyses, that courts, research centers and the public will live on them for several generations. With her scientific effort, Alison provided the basis for all our following work on Rwanda and the DR Congo. Indeed, her research is the ground stone for the new historiography on Rwanda.
We were especially impressed and inspired by Alison’s ability to manage conflicts in a determined, diplomatic but still adamant way. For her, the victims of human rights abuses were always in the center of her interest. Herself, she acted as a mentor, as an advocate, a scientist or a witness on a truly reserved, but very efficient way.
Her death opens a gap that will never be filled again, because we, researchers, activ-ists, media, and especially the people in Rwanda and the DR Congo, owe her so much.
Our deep compassion is now for her family and her colleagues at Human Rights Watch,

With respectful regards
Ilona Auer-Frege, Ecumenical Network Central Afrika and the members from
Bread for the World
Misereor
Diakonie Human Rights
Pax Christi
Vereinte Evangelische Mission

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J'ai connu Alison en 1993. Elle était la leader de la Commission internationale d'enquête sur les violations des droits humains au Rwanda. J'étais membre de cette Commission d'enquête, délégué par la Fédération internationale des droits de l'homme (FIDH ).
Nous avons vécu ensemble des semaines très intenses, enquêtant sur des massacres et divers abus de droits, excavant des charniers, écoutant pendant des heures des témoins de tueries et divers acteurs sociaux, dans des conditions parfois dangereuses.

J'avais développé un  bon lien  avec Alison, qui m'avait demandé ensuite de participer à une autre mission d'enquête, en 1994, au Burundi, ce que je n'ai pu faire à cause de mes obligations à la direction d'un organisme de droits humains du Québec. Nous étions resté en lien quelques années ensuite. Puis, nous avons perdu le contact, même si je continuais de suivre de loin son action incessante pour documenter le génocide rwandais et en poursuivre les principaux responsables, pour dénoncer les nouvelles violations des droits humains dans la région, d'où qu'elles viennent, cherchant toujours à prévenir de nouvelles violations.

Alison était une femme d'une détermination d'acier, sans parti-pris, sinon pour les droits humains, d'un jugement sûr et nuancé, d'une grande ouverture et d'une grande attention aux autres. J'ai lu des témoignages recueillis auprès de ses voisins à Buffalo, où elle résidait, qui confirment sa grande humanité. Elle était d'une énergie sans relâche, alimentée par sa passion pour la justice et la vérité. Elle avait développé, par ses études et ses séjours dans la région une connaissance profonde de l'histoire et de réalité contemporaine du Rwanda. Elle a mené une action d'une envergure prodigieuse pour les droits humains dans l'Afrique des Grands Lacs.

Je suis tombé par hasard, la veille de la journée où j'ai appris la mort d'Alison, sur une citation Jean Jaurès, dans un article du journal Le Monde. " Le courage... c'est d'aller à l'idéal et de comprendre le réel."
Alison était une femme d'un très grand courage.

Sa mort m'a beaucoup attristé. Je suis aussi vivement conscient de l'immense perte que constitue sa mort pour le mouvement mondial des droits humains, dont elle était un dynamo.

Je me console un peu  en me disant que beaucoup de personnes vont garder, comme moi, un souvenir ému et  inspirant d'Alison Desforges. Et que le feu qui l'habitait va continuer d'alimenter l'action pour les droits humains.

André Paradis
Montréal ( Québec)

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From a Statement on the Situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo by the World Council of Churches, Geneva, Switzerland

K. Mourns the death of Dr Alison Des Forges, who died tragically in the 12 February 2009 airplane crash which was attempting a landing at the Buffalo, New York airport. She was one of the leading experts on the human rights violations in the DRC, Rwanda and Burundi. Through her research and twenty years of work at Human Rights Watch, she testified eleven times at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Her work is credited with bringing credibility to the charge of genocide in the region.
L. Prays for Dr Des Forges, her family and friends and especially for the untold millions who have suffered and continue to suffer the ravages of this despicable time in our history.

Posted by David Zarembka, dave@aglionline.org

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(Statement submitted for the congressional record)

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Alison Des Forges in the tragic crash of Continental Flight 3407 on February 12. In her passing, we lost not only one of the foremost experts on the state of human rights in Rwanda and Central Africa, but also one of the greatest advocates for human rights in our time. Alison’s tireless appeals for international action to save lives both before and during the 1994 Rwandan genocide are legendary in the human rights and Africa policy communities. Her efforts have been widely reported on since that time and I hope they will continue to inspire future generations. Her personal witness should inspire and challenge us all as we seek an end to ongoing mass atrocities, whether in Darfur, eastern Congo or areas affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army.

Long after the genocide ended, Alison maintained her relentless commitment to pursue the truth and promote human rights. Her authoritative research on the genocide informed the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, national courts across Europe and North America, and even this Congress. She was widely recognized over the years for her objective and balanced analysis of the changing situation in Rwanda and Central Africa. This was not a standard easily achieved or without its sacrifices. Indeed, just last year, Alison was twice refused entry by the Rwandan government, a government that once praised her reporting on the genocide. As a Washington Post editorial recently noted, while the current Rwanda government has made impressive “accomplishments in righting its country and improving basic services… it continues to be intolerant of criticism.” Alison was unwilling to allow that growing intolerance to go unnoticed – even when the result made it more difficult for her to do her job.

Alison was never vindictive, but she was never afraid to speak the truth about growing repression or threats to basic rights when she saw them. In that sense, Alison Des Forges embodied the very best of America’s tradition of supporting human rights, and pressing for meaningful accountability for violations of those rights. She will be greatly missed but we can pay tribute to her by carrying that tradition forward.

Russell D. Feingold
Chairman, Senate Subcommittee on African Affairs
United States Senate

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Alison Des Forges represented goodness and truth. Her passing is painful; she will be very sorely missed.

Alexander Naqvi

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Selon un proverbe bien connu des Rwandais, « la colline est très raide, on la monte de préférence avec un ami ». Et Alison Desforges, à travers ses écrits essentiels, aura été cet ami pour le peuple rwandais mais également pour un très grand nombre de chercheurs, d’étudiants et de défenseurs des Droits de l’Homme.

C’est donc avec une très vive émotion et une grande tristesse que nous avons appris ce tragique accident dans lequel Alison Desforges a perdu la vie.

En tant qu’ancien -staff de Penal Reform International au Rwanda, nous avons eu l’occasion à plusieurs reprises de collaborer avec Alison Desforges, et outre sa connaissance incomparable de la région, nous avons toujours été frappées par sa modestie et sa gentillesse. Elle restera pour nous, non seulement une référence scientifique mais aussi un véritable modèle d’humanité.

Son héritage est essentiel pour la justice au Rwanda, à laquelle elle aura contribué plus que personne, et son combat pour les Droits de l’Homme dans la région des grands lacs, est une source d’inspiration pour nous tous. Pour tout cela, nous souhaitons lui dire merci.

Nous adressons nos condoléances les plus sincères à sa famille ainsi qu’à tous ses collègues de Human Rights Watch,

Fatima Boulnemour
Maela Begot
Audrey Llopis

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My deepest condolences to the family of Alison Des Forges and to her HRW colleagues. Although I only knew Alison by reputation, she was someone whose dedication, strength, intellect and compassion preceded her. She was someone who was in this type of work for the the right reason. She will be missed, but her contribution to the field of human rights, especially for the people of Rwanda, will never be forgotten.

"From God we come, to God we return" (Islamic expression)

Again, my condolences to the family and friends of Alison.

-Shameza Abdulla, UNICEF

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You will live forever in our struggles for Humanity
Bernard Edirisinghe & SasaNet Team, Sri Lanka

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Imana imuhe iruhuko ridashira.

EU
Buffalo, NY

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Swarthmore, Pennsylvania USA
February 22, 2009

To Alison's Family:

Although it has been 18 years since I have seen Alison, I certainly remember her fondly and count myself among those who were blessed to know her. I am "la jeune stagiaire afro-americaine" to which Monique Mujawamariga refers in her moving tribute. Alison and I spent over 2 weeks together interviewing Rwandan refugees in Brussels and investigating the general state of human rights in Rwanda in 1991 while I was a research fellow at Human Rights Watch. We were scheduled to visit Burundi, as well, but the situation had gotten too dangerous there.

Prior to the trip, I went to visit Alison at her home in Buffalo to prepare for the trip. I remember that she took me to see Niagara Falls on the Canadian side because, she said, that side was prettier. She and Roger were the perfect dinner hosts. I remember helping myself to a wonderful salad that was on the table, not being familiar with the custom of eating the salad last. Without being the least bit disapproving or critical, they explained the custom (I asked why they were not partaking) and we continued to converse with an ease and familiarity that surprised me.

I got the jolting news while there that my grandmother had passed away. Alison went on a long walk with me. I do not remember her saying anything particularly. What I do remember is that she listened well and that her presence was very comforting and consoling. I found her to be a very easy person to be with.

Our time together in Rwanda was very intense, to say the least. Alison was always kind and encouraging to me. She was a wonderful teacher. I can't imagine there being a better person I could have gone with on this trip.

It was an honor and a privilege to work with and know Alison. I extend my deepest sympathies to her family and join the many others in saying that I am very sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,
Nicola Tollett Jefferson

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I believe in kitchen-table democracy. I believe in small “d” democracy. The kind where parents sit around the table and argue with eachother about which candidate they should vote for, the kind when mothers gripe together about the schools not being good enough and plott to start new ones, or they talk to their kids about the constitution and what it means. I believe in small “d” democratic institutions: PTA’s, school boards, neighborhood associations, and the League of Women Voters. I belive in the kind of democracy you can take out on the street, the kind that gets you talking to your neighbors up and down the block and strangers across town too, the kind that gets kids excited and involved enough to get into the voting booth with you and learn to pull the lever.
Last night I attended the last PTA meeting of the year at my daughter’s elementary school, the Albany School of Humanities, located on Whitehall Road in Albany New York. At that meeting, I spoke on the need to allow the child acting as master of ceremonies at the end of year variety show .to say, “Them was good,” without having her grammar “corrected” by the adults coordinating the program. Another parent at the PTA, felt that such ungrammatical speech was a poor reflection on the child, the school, and the PTA, which sponsored the program. Certainly, I argued, there is a place for proper, grammatical, speech, but so too is there a need to create a place for speech that reflects ethnic background, the popular culture, the culture of youth, and creative use of language, especially in a school community that is diverse, with children from over a dozen countries. Discussion ensued for some time, and ultimately, there was general agreement that children need to learn both, and to distinguish when to use each kind of speech to best effect.

Walking home from the meeting, hanging onto my two-year-old son, with my husband, carrying our five year-old daughter, soon to be Kindergarten graduate, on his shoulders. I felt like a true member of a community, with valuable democratic institutions. The PTA is not democracy with a big “D”, but with a small “d”, the kind I’d learned about as a teenager from parents who took the time to involve me and my peers in public meetings on educational issues that affected us. One woman, Alison Desforges, who has since gone on to receive a McArthur genius award for her work with Africa Watch, stands out in my mind. Her high-profile efforts at the UN, have been recognized, but perhaps she should also know about the impact she had on those of us she taught the lessons of democracy with a little “d.”

Alison DesForges, helped me and a group of my peers, when we were just high-school freshmen, to attend a public hearing on an effort to ban several books from the Buffalo School district library. I don’t remember the details of the objections to the book. They don’t matter now. What matters is that she initiated us into the realm of public participation in decision-making. She led us, with the U.S. Constitution as a backdrop, into the practical realm where decisions are made. She facilitated an opportunity for us to speak in public, be heard in our own communities, and then beyond when our speeches were published in the Humanist, Magazine. While we may not have influenced the outcome of the meeting, she gave us our first glimpse at the inner workings of decision-making institutions at the community level, where decisions are made that impact our daily lives, and the lives of our children. She showed us that to care is to be involved. This was a critical right of passage for me. As a parent now, taking my five-year-old daughter to public meetings, and into the voting booth with me, I realize the significance of being involved from childhood in democratic decision making. She laid the foundation for me to find a voice, the courage to speak, and the practical know how of getting involved.

Until the meeting last night, I hadn’t reflected much on where I’d learned to speak out and express my opinions at a public meeting. I became even more grateful to Alison Des Forges kitchen table, a neighborhood meeting place, a small “d” democratic institution, where I learned about little “d” democracy. We must each, when it is out turn, take it out into the world, but I beliveve –- as Alison showed me-- that democracy begins at home.

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I am a rwandan living in the United States and I was able to know Allison because of her work on Rwandan justice. I left Rwanda more than ten years ago and whenever I needed to read about Rwanda, Allison would be mentioned in almost every article I read online or in any written news source. I have seen people who disagreed with her on Rwandan issues and I always knew that her side of story was objective. I don't need anyone to teach me the history of Rwanda and particulary the Rwandan Genocide because I lived through it. Allison had every reason to seek justice for the survivors of genocide, she warned the world before it exploded. However, unique as she was from many other "so-called experts on Rwandan genocide", she did not just stop there to defend one side of the story. Instead, she denounced the crimes committed by the praised heros, leaders of the actual Rwandan Government against Hutus (portrayed as bad guys in the Genocide). She is my hero! I HOPE ONE DAY I WILL BE COURAGEOUS ENOUGH TO FIGHT FOR OTHERS. She stood for what she believed was right regardless of how she might look in the eyes of of some people. We will miss her and I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT THE HRW WILL NOT LET HER DOWN BY NOT COMPLETING HER UNFINISHED BUSINESS IN THE AFRICA'S GREAT LAKES REGION.

Anonimous Rwandan in the US

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Over the years, Alison had become the person I would turn to for help when I couldn’t find the right words to translate reports of the Africa division. With her, it seemed easier. Whenever I had hesitations, Alison was there for me, making suggestions, encouraging me. Whenever I had questions, she always took the time to email back, to call back, to explain things with patience, conviction, simplicity, and so much humanity.

Alison is gone and today words don’t seem to come out so easily any more. Alison is gone but I will treasure forever everything I learnt with her.

Françoise Denayer

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Staffs of Human Rights Watch,

On behalf of my fellow Rwandans and personally, we really join the World in mourning Dr Alison’s death which is a big loss to the world and most especially Rwandans who benefited her good deeds without basing on either tribalism or different political groups
Many Rwandans and Diplomats working in Rwanda and Great lakes region came to know Dr Alison as a Brave human rights defender in 1990s when she started decampaining human rights abuses which was being carried out to Tutsis by the former President Habyarimanas regime and she was the first person to expose the genocide actions which was taking place in Rwanda when the world was quite and reluctant
Dr Alison was the first foreigner who went to witness the genocide abuses carried out by politicians in former regime in Arusha ICTR and some Rwandans get shocked when she along the side turned and pointed the finger to the Government which stopped Genocide of also committing war crimes and calling for justice , such blave actions are not found
I Personally am witness of Dr Alison’s good Deeds of Defending human Rights action when i benefited from her advise as how i could handle my self in end 2006 when i had threats in my life as a journalist and later on intervened when my fellow Brothers in current Government tried to assassinate me in Feb 2007, and stayed in coma for 4days after being beaten using iron bars and am now currently in South Africa for treatment on the related incidence of Feb. 9 2007 , she both sent her researcher by time called chris hugins to both try to protect me and raise some financial assistance for treatment from some US Human rights Defenders
I happened to know that sad news when i was on transit from Entebbe to southafrica after getting a lot of calls from my brothers and sisters who benefited from Dr Alison’s good human Rights action , Rwandan both home and Diaspora are Joining world, HRW and her family of mourning her death , In such Solow days words are limited most especially when you lose such a friend of high integrity who always called for Justice , end of Human Rights Abuses and in her last days she denounced solitary confinement in Rwanda prisons
We will never forget Mother Dr Alison Des Forges love to most especially Rwandans, we will always remember her as a hero of human Rights Defender and may Lord rest her soul in entire Peace of Heaven
On behalf of Rwandans who benefited from Dr Alison des forges fruits of defending Human Rights
Gasasira J Bosco
Editor in chief
Umuvugizi Newspaper
Rwanda

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I never had the chance to meet Alison Des Forges, and still, the news of her death shocked me terribly and felt me with huge sadness. Because her voice, and the intelligence that transpired from every piece of her work; books, reports, testimonies in documentary films, and so on, touched me so deeply. I am proud to know that people like her exist, people that never give up fighting for a vision, for a more peaceful humanity, a better understanding of conflict, and for hope.
This is a terrible loss. I hope her example will survive forever, being an inspiration to anyone fighting for knowledge, peace and justice.

C. Huynh

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Nous avons appris le décès de votre collaboratrice, Alison Des Forges, dans le crash d’un vol, aux Etats-Unis, le 12 février dernier, et je tenais à m’associer aux très nombreuses voix qui ont exprimé leur peine, pour lui rendre hommage, au nom d’Amnesty International France, vous dire notre tristesse, et partager l’émotion ressentie par ses collègues, ses amis, sa famille et par toutes celles et tous ceux qui ont eu la chance de la connaître ou de croiser un jour son chemin.

Avec nos plus sincères condoléances.

Geneviève Garrigos
Présidente
Amnesty International France

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Dear Friends and Colleagues,

On behalf of myself and the Horn of Africa team at Amnesty International, I write to express our sympathy for your loss. We are all deeply saddened by the passing of Alison des Forges. Many of us have had the great pleasure of working with Alison over the years. We will miss her expertise, as well as her kindness, compassion and sense of humor. But we also know that her important work will most certainly live on, in Rwanda, throughout the Great Lakes region and far beyond.

Sincerely, Lynn

Lynn Fredriksson
Researcher - Horn of Africa
International Secretariat
Amnesty International

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A Light in the Darkness for Rwanda - A Tribute to Alison Des Forges
from Paul Rusesabagina of the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation

At the time when things were darkest for my beloved Rwanda, Alison Des Forges was a light in that darkness. During the genocide, I believed that the entire world had abandoned us to evil. We waited in vain for the U.N. Peacekeepers and for the U.S. to intervene. No one was able to tell the world to make the madness stop. But Alison Des Forges tried.

In the years following the Genocide, Alison Des Forges was one of the few who had the courage to speak out about the human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity that have continued in Rwanda and the Great Lakes Region of Africa. She was undeterred when the Rwanda government denied her entry in to Rwanda. She understood that the truth is stronger than any bully.

The courage that Alison showed was remarkable and unique. The world needs more Alisons and can sorely afford to lose this one.

My gratitude for her work is matched only by my sorrow at her passing. There is still much work to be done. We must all pick up her mantle and carry on in the name of peace and human rights for all. I will try to do my share in her memory.

She loved Rwanda and its people so much that she devoted her whole life’s work to them. She would have been immensely gratified one day to see peace and justice flow on Rwandan soil. Alison, up in heaven where you are, we want you to know that we love you back.

With deepest sympathy,
Paul Rusesabagina
Founder and President, Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation
www.hrrfoundation.org

 

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Avec la disparition inopinée d'Alison, les Grands Lacs viennent de perdre une femme extraordinaire, profondément dévouée à la cause des droits de l'homme dans cette région tant meurtrie par la violence, la souffrance et la misère.

J'ai eu l'honneur et la chance d'être le témoin de son humanité, son intégrité, son courage et sa détermination. Elle fut et elle reste un modèle et une source d'inspiration pour beaucoup d'activistes des droits de l'homme du Congo, du Rwanda et du Burundi. Avec la simplicité et l'humilité qui la caractérisaient, Alison m'aurait certainement reproché de parler d'elle en ces termes élogieux, mais je ne peux m'empêcher aujourd'hui de dire ce que je pense sincèrement.

Le meilleur hommage que l'on pourrait lui rendre est sans nul doute de poursuivre voire de renforcer le combat permanent pour la défense et la promotion des droits de l'homme dans les Grands Lacs et ailleurs dans le monde.

Mes dernières pensées vont à sa famille. Alison aimait sa famille et essayait de lui consacrer plus de temps bien que, connaissant la situation des droits de l'homme dans la région des Grands Lacs et son degré d'engagement, cela devait être parfois bien difficile. La famille d'Alison peut être fière de cette grande dame qui s'est tant donnée pour toutes les victimes d'abus et de violations des droits de la personne dans les Grands Lacs.

A titre personnel, je suis heureux d'avoir croisé sa route sur le terrain des droits de l'homme et je lui serai toujours reconnaissant de m'avoir fait partager son expérience et sa sagesse.

Eugène NINDORERA.

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When I found out about Alison's death I felt like someone ran me over. I couldn't believe it. My thoughts raced to how many people around the world would be affected.

Her compassion and intelligence were always obvious. Alison was hardworking as a human rights activist, thorough as a researcher and historian, and truly caring as a mentor and colleague. It is most definitely a life not wasted. I am very proud to have known such a person.

McKenzie Price
Africa Division
Human Rights Watch

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We have learnt with sadness the death of Dr Alison DesForges. She was amongst the very few foreigners who had understood that ethnic tensions in Rwanda and political exploitation of this omnipresent ethnic division led to the genocide.

She was and will stay the symbol of Human Rights and had showed that she was ready to fight any impunity. While strongly condemning the genocide and working tirelessly to bring before justice the perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide, she did not hesitate to condemn the killings perpetrated by the RPF which is currently in power in Rwanda.

She died doing what she liked the most. She was coming from conference on Rwanda in London where she demonstrated her vast knowledge of this country and her determination to denounce publicly any form of human violation in Rwanda.

At the end of the meeting I had a chance to talk briefly to her and congratulate her on her contribution about the Rwandan problem. Her denouncing of the atrocities committed in Rwanda by both sides of the conflict was the only way forward for a reconciliation of the Rwandan people and a lasting peace in this country and the region of the Great Lakes of Africa.

We pray for her family she leaves behind and her colleagues at Human Rights Watch.
May her soul rest in peace.

Dr Alexis Ndibwami
Secretary, Action Group for Peace and Justice in Rwanda
PO Box 49993
London, SE5 5DJ

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2月12日美国大陆航空公司一架客机在布法罗城的市郊坠毁，机上人员全部遇难，整个城市沉浸在无限的悲伤之中。其中有一位曾为非洲卢旺达的人权问题做出杰出贡献的女领袖Alison Des Forge。据我身边的朋友讲，她非常热情好客, 平易近人, 她先生是历史系教授教中国史，夫妇帮助过当地的很多中国学生...明天是她的追悼会。以诗为祭, 悼念所有在空难中的遇难者...

　　素泪相留竞，他乡识汝迟。
　　笑颜融雪陌，归梦断巢枝。
　　云泣行深处，风回羽落时。
　　无常淹世道，生死忍参之。

再附一首红袖添香诗风词韵诗友和的作品:
五律•同悼巴城空难者Alison Des Forge（次韵玉笛儿）
作者: 大拙
雪泥留鹤影，女杰步迟迟。
天国路无际，人权梅一枝。
仰观云湿处，怕对雁鸣时。
但愿人长久，寿星堪与之？

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The Board and staff of the MacArthur Foundation mourn the loss of Alison Des Forges who was named as a MacArthur Fellow in 1999.

Her tireless work in Africa, especially Rwanda, spurred MacArthur to expand its program to help build a system of international justice and to support the development of the Responsibility to Protect.

The memory of Alison’s courage and determination will strengthen our commitment to preserving her life’s work.

Jonathan F. Fanton
President
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

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My colleauges and I would like to express our profound sadness at learning of Dr. Des Forges' death. We had the good fortune of working with Dr. Des Forges several years ago on a pro bono asylum case for a client from Rwanda. Despite her busy schedule, Dr. Des Forges found time to speak with us about our case and to serve as an expert witness in support of our client's petition. She even arranged to testify by telephone at our client's hearing just hours before traveling out of the country. Her stature as a fair-minded expert on the Rwandan genocide and the circumstances leading up to the genocide lent great credibility to our client's petition, and he was eventually granted asylum. Our client and our firm are forever grateful for Dr. Des Forges' dedication and grace. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and to her friends and colleagues. The world is a better place because of Dr. Des Forges.

Jim Esselman
Beveridge & Diamond, P.C.

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Alison was a source of inspiration to so many in the human rights world. Very simply, it was special to work in the same field as her. She was most exceptional when making challenges to power and displayed a combination of intellectual rigour, integrity, courage and reason. She communicated concerns in such a clear, rational way, and with such unwavering balance, it was difficult not to be in awe.
As so many have said, she possessed the best qualities of a mentor. She was always ready to listen. She was warm and human. It was as easy to joke with her as it was to talk about work. Her wit was wry and ready. Despite the widespread recognition of her work, she was, as a person, utterly without pretension.
She’ll be missed sorely. Alison has left a space that could only be filled by her. Her presence and force provided a certain comfort in a way - because you knew that she, and what she stood for, was there. However, her legacy, and the importance of her work, will continue, and serve as a record to the truth and the quest for justice.

Tom Gibson
Amnesty International

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Alison gave me Rwanda. And Arusha. In 2005 I was lucky enough to join a few Human Rights Watch colleagues for a two week visit to Rwanda in hope of understanding how the genocide could have happened. We needed to comprehend how a nation so split apart could unite and move towards a productive future as one people. Alison Des Forges introduced us to all segments of this shattered nation. Through her we met survivors, genocidaires and activists for justice. She arranged for us to witness a gachacha and we heard (by her translation of Kinyarwanda) the words of those who had been savaged and the words of those accused of these crimes.
She brought us together in the fields and swamps where both survivors and genocidaires were hoping to heal their land.
We shared beer and food at tables filled by Alison’s Rwandan friends and colleagues.
Then we flew to Arusha to attend the International Tribunal, the trials of the most vicious criminals who orchestrated the genocide.
I will never forget this.
Alison introduced us to prosecutors and judges at the court. She had a fierce passion for justice and transparancy. And didn’t hesitate when crossing the trafficked street by our hotel.
A funny moment: she herded us into a small private chamber where our group was to meet only to have us ousted by three red robed judges.
But the thing that struck me most deeply about her was her quiet compassion and the admiration she elicited from everyone she touched.
I will never forget her.
Thank you Alison.

My husband Sid and I mourn our friend and hero.
Lorraine Sheinberg

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Cher Ken,

Nous sommes sous le choc. Quelle terrible nouvelle. Nous avons eu la chance de côtoyer quotidiennement Alison pendant les années de notre projet commun avec Human Rights Watch. Sa culture, son intelligence et son engagement forçaient l'admiration.

Sa disparition constitue une perte immense pour nous tous. Peux-tu s'il te plaît transmettre à sa famille et aux collègues de Human Rights Watch nos condoléances et notre solidarité.

Et n'hésite pas à m'indiquer si la FIDH peut vous être d'une quelconque utilité dans cette épreuve. La FIDH est à vos côtés.

Antoine Bernard
Directeur exécutif de la FIDH

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It was with shock and great sadness that we learnt of the tragic death of Alison Des Forges. For all of us working in Rwanda, Alison's dedication, courage and foresight was a huge inspiration and her life long commitment a continuous reminder of the imperative to 'not give up'.

It is not possible in a few short lines to do justice to her contribution to the understanding of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and the social, historic and political dynamics in the region. Alison's outstanding combination of scholarly detachment, and human energy made her an inspiring symbol of what it means to be a human rights activist. "Leave None to Tell the Story" remains the essential reference on the subject, as witnessed by the constant demands on her knowledge, either as an expert witness at the ICTR or as an academic at human rights gatherings.

DIHR's work to support the genocide trials before the Rwandan courts would, without a doubt, have been even harder without the strong voice of Alison and Human Rights Watch advocating for fair trial standards and promoting the notion of even handed justice. That she was prevented from entering Rwanda in December 2008 is testimony to her unwavering commitment to speaking the truth.



Her knowledge and commitment will be sorely missed, in particular, by the human rights movement in the Great Lakes region. She imparted courage and professionalism to a whole generation of human rights activists, as well as earning the respect of counterparts in the government and donor community. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues.



Fergus Kerrigan, Karol Limondin and Kerstin McCourt
Rwanda Programme
The Danish Institute for Human Rights

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Dear Mr. Roth,

Life never fails to take us by surprise. However, the news of the sudden death of Alison Des Forges on 12th February, hit us all with a devastating shock. Our thoughts are going in the first place to her husband and children, as well as to her colleagues at Human Rights Watch. Being fully aware of the fact that words can never grasp the meaning of the life of such a great person like Alison, we would still like to make an effort of describing what she has meant to many of our staff and to our organisation as a whole.

Oxfam Novib has worked since 1995 with Alison. For us she was a great personality as well as the authority on human rights in the Great Lakes Region of Africa, especially Rwanda. Our staff met her for the first time when she was doing fact finding research in Rwanda and in Eastern Congo. This was directly after the genocide of April 1994, now fifteen years ago; research that inspired her famous book: “Leave None to Tell the Story”. This meeting was the start of a long lasting, intensive and fertile relationship between many of our staff and Alison both at individual level as well as between the organisations. The last time she visited us here in The Hague was just three month ago. How could we have known that this was to be the last time we would meet?

Alison looked small and fragile, yet she was extremely strong. She had the personal quality and power to change people’s mindsets, just by being principled and by knowing her facts in great detail, often adding a historical dimension to the current events. She could convince people by insisting in a nice, charming way, yet still being to the point. All of this taken together, they make the ideal characteristics of a human rights activist. In that quality, she accompanied and supported us with policy influencing work n the Dutch Parliament, the Dutch Government and the European Commission. She was always the best informed person in the room, therefore always trusted. That was especially important during the many times she appeared for courts as an expert witness on the genocide.

Alison often took the phone to share the latest pieces of information and hear what was going on at this end of the ocean. She preferred the person-to-person contact over digital means. Reciprocity being a basic value of her, she made constructive use of shared information. She seemed to be working day and night, as if she would never become tired, even if we knew better.

With all those great qualities she yet managed to remain the modesty in person. She was always eager to learn, and to listen. Such is only given to the greatest among mankind. And as such she was –among all current and former staff of the Central Africa team of Oxfam Novib – both extremely beloved and highly respected.

Her sudden death means a big loss for the ongoing struggle for justice and truth in Rwanda and in the wider region of the Great Lakes. It means a loss to humanity of a great person with outstanding qualities. And it is a big loss for her relatives, her colleagues, her partners in the struggle. We will miss her forever.

Farah Karimi
General Director of Oxfam Novib

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My team and myself are deeply affected by Alison Des Forge's sudden death.

Alison was a true expert on Rwanda and she made a very valuable contribution to the development of the European Union's policy towards the African Great Lakes Region and in particular towards Rwanda.

Whenever in Brussels, Alison would be available to share her views and insights. She was fully committed to her work; the last time she visited us, our discussions went on until late and she came back to continue the discussions over breakfast the following morning. We have been blessed to be able to draw on her expertise on Rwanda for our work, including on the FDLR.

One of my staff was on the plane with Alison when she was not let in to Rwanda in December last year, which led to the Ambassadors of the European Union come to the airport late in the evening in Kigali, in support of her and Human Right Watch's work. We were very happy to support her and grateful we could show her our solidarity.

All of us have deeply appreciated the work of Alison, both because of her expertise of the region we work with, but also because we have greatly appreciated her expertise in combination with her measured position, her engagement, for seeing things "en clair" and for sharing her knowledge, information and views with us.

Alison has left a lasting impression and we are very sad that she is no longer with us.

Roeland van de Geer
Special Representative of the European Union for the African Great Lakes Region

Political Advisors:
Jean Michel Dumont
Anna Sundström
Veronique Aulagnon
Julie Godin
Adriana Bucci

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J'ai rencontré Alison voici bien longtemps et suivi son travail sur les violations des droits de l'Homme dans l'Afrique des Grands Lacs puis sur le génocide et les massacres politiques massifs de 1994, et ensuite. Je l'admirais beaucoup pour son amour de l'humanité, sa compétence, sa douceur obstinée, son sens de la justice. On espérait qu'après la fermeture du TPIR, elle publierait une somme de ses connaissances complétant "Aucun Témoin ne doit survivire", afin de toujours mieux documenter la conspiration du génocide.
Sa disparition prématurée est une perte immense. J'espère qu'African Rights et ses amis pourront lui rendre hommage par un livre à la mesure de ce que nous lui devons. Je m'offre à y contribuer, dans la mesure de mes moyens. Je dois aussi posséder quelques photographies d'Alison au TPIR dont j'offrirai volontiers la libre disposition.
Par ailleurs, j'aimerais beaucoup disposer de la si expressive photographie d'Alison sur ce site, dans un format me permettant un agrandissement A 3 en noir et blanc. Je suis prêt à dédommager l'auteur pour les droits éventuels. Merci de m'indiquer comment procéder.

Mes condoléances à tous.

Jean-François Dupaquier

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Dear Ken,

On behalf of my colleagues at Amnesty International and myself, I extend our deepest sympathies on the tragic loss of Alison des Forges.

The human rights movement has lost an iconic figure; no one knew Rwanda as well as she did. A small woman of great strength and personality, she was indefatigable in her search for truth, relentless in her pursuit for justice, a formidable researcher and campaigner. Alison was an inspiration to many of us, professionally and personally.

Our thoughts are with you and Alison's family and friends at this tragic and painful time.

In solidarity and sympathy,
Irene Khan
Amnesty International

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Learning of alison's death was tragic.
Rwanda, and the world, has lost the most dedicated, passionate, skilled human rights defender of our generation.
Fighting for what she dedicated her whole life to is the best way to keep her memory alive.
My sincere condolences to her family, and HRW.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Didas M. Gasana
Journalist
Kigali- Rwanda

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I, as many others, am writing to express condolences to the death of Alison Des Forges. Even here in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin we - our school human rights group - have benefited greatly from her research. She is an inspiration to the next generation of those dedicated to the upholding of human rights.

-Brendan Weinstein

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J'ai eu l'occasion de travailler sur le Rwanda et c'est alors que parmi tous les auteurs que je lisais, toutes les vidéos que je regardais, j'ai apercu Alison Desforges et elle m'a tout de suite marquée.
Je ne l'ai jamais rencontrée mais on sentait a travers les images, les interviews, les écrits quelle grande femme elle était, quelle humanité et simplicité elle donnait , même dans les grandes instances internationales.
Merci Madame Alison pour tout l'immense travail que vous avez fait pour l'humanité ,et puissiez vous reposer en paix.
Anne Laure Charbonneau,étudiante en France

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Alison's clarity of purpose, humility, humanity, and intelligence affected me deeply whenever I had the privilege to work with her. Sharing her name, whenever I travelled to Africa, I had the profound experience of seeing in nearly every person's eyes the deep disappointment, relief, or unfulfilled hopes (depending on the purpose of the meeting) triggered when they realized I was not THE Alison from Human Rights Watch!

My heart goes out to her family, to my fellow colleagues, and to the countless people in Rwanda and throughout Africa who mourn her now.

Alison Parker, Human Rights Watch

 

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We were deeply shocked to hear about the tragic loss of Alison Des
Forges in the recent plane crash.

Please convey our condolences to Alison's family
and to all at HRW. We have lost a fine human rights activist who
contributed from time to time to Pambazuka News.

Justin Nshimiyimana
Kigali Institute of Education

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She was not only a beacon of awareness and justice in the world, she was, from my own knowledge of her children, a beautiful parent. Her two children are both widely admired by the people they grew up with, not only as brilliant thinkers, but as good people. Our swim team remembers Alison DesForges cheering enthusiastically for her daughter in the pool. Our entire community, her neighbors, our city, the Buffalo diaspora, we all mourn for her loss and feel deep sympathy for her beloved family.

Nick Graham
City Honors School, 1987-1991
New York City

 

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style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6;">ALISON

The most reliable, honest, courageous woman and friend. Knowing her was a priviledge. We shared the pain of Rwanda and spent many hours back in Kigali and New York trying to understand what happened. Her family is not alone in mourning her. Isel Rivero, former United Nations political peace keeping staff.

 

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I would like to extend condolences to the family and friends of Alison Des Forges. I didn’t know Alison very well but we had her speak at a couple of conferences I organized. I invited her myself the 2nd time because I was so impressed by the depth of humanity and insight she brought. For those who would like to hear another instance of her speaking, we have webcasts of the April 2008 symposium at: www.povertyfrontiers.org/symposium. Her thoughts and contributions were also summarized in the 2006 conference proceedings on poverty and conflict also available at www.povertyfrontiers.org.

Sincerely,

Borany Penh
Sr. Political Economist
USAID/EGAT/Office of Poverty Reduction

 

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Promise of Solace - February 13, 2009

Hands reach across a hurting community
Under a blue sky day, shining radiant,
Redolent with blinding promise
On the day after change.
Change of a sort we did not want.
A shifting of hearts that love/loved too much.
A shifting of routine, e-mails sent, texts received
Valentines kissed and pressed against our hearts
Before dark arrived.

We reach out to feel a
Promise of solace,
Taking comfort in what is here, now.
In what is present.
Knowing that time ticks,
Coffee perks, babies are bathed, cats purr, hands are held.
That life moves inexorably/annoyingly (?) forward.

For change is not always desired.
It riles and singes when your head is down.
Change makes ordinary extraordinary.
It pains and sinks us down to the ground
In cries for heavenly mercy
For a power that is not ours.
Never was ours.
Never has been.

We reach out to one another,
One to one
Neighbor to neighbor
Stranger to stranger
Human to human
Seeking not only a promise of solace
But the hope that the spirit of kinship will
Calm/comfort the pain in our hearts
On a day when the blueness of the sky mocks us.
Makes us wonder how one day can make such a difference.

- Brad K. Mazon

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Words are difficult to find. Allison was such a remarkable and brave person. I first met her in 1992 and since then she has been the same, so courageous, independent and totally committed to human rights, justice, and the peoples of Rwanda and elsewhere. Surely she often had to resist people who did not like her independent mind. I am so grateful I met her and we should all consider her as a model. She also listened so kindly and attentively to victims and survivors looking for some ways to help them.
Martine Beckers
President
Collectif des Parties Civiles asbl
Belgium

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I had the great luck to tap into Alison's wisdom and knowledge almost as soon as I joined HRW in 1997. She was of great inspiration to this newcomer, as well as a wonderful colleague. Her contributions to human rights work are beyond simple description. She will never be forgotten.

Loretta Bondi
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Geneva, Switzerland

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Eric Gillet termine par ces mots son hommage à Alison « elle laisse une éthique et une attitude dans laquelle nous pourrons nous rejoindre. Elle laisse la trace d’un visage autour de laquelle il sera peut être possible de parler et de se trouver un avenir ».
J’aurais tellement aimé la connaître mieux.
J’ai rencontré Alison grâce à Eric il y a quelques années. J’ai le souvenir très précis de cette rencontre dans ce petit bureau à Bruxelles lorsque nous préparions Eric et moi le premier procès « des 4 de Butare » Eric m’avait parlé d’elle, des expériences qu’ils avaient vécus ensemble, parfois terribles, des commissions internationales d’enquête qu’ils avaient menées…Je me sentais terriblement impressionnée et intimidée par elle. Je le suis encore aujourd’hui. Ce regard, cette douceur et en même temps cette extraordinaire force de vie qui émanait d’elle.
« Aucun témoin ne doit survivre ».
J’entends sa voix lorsqu’elle faisait part de son expérience au jury d’assise, je la revois calme, sereine et ferme, empreinte d’une sagesse immense, une Juste. C’est l’image d’Alison que je garderai. Celle d’une femme qui nous indique une éthique de vie.

Michèle HIRSCH

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Au nom de tous les bénéficiaires de nos services dans la province du sud kivu à l'Est de la RD Congo,et de tous les menbres et agents de ODMasbl, je vous présente nos vives condoléances à la suite de la mort de Mme Alison De Forge.Pour nous les défenseurs des droits humains opérant à l'Est du pays, cette disparition constitue une voix de moins parmi celles qui ne cessent de rappeler aux grands de ce monde le génocide silencieux dont la population congolaise est victime depuis plus de dix ans. Ne vous découragez pas, unissons nous tous pour continuer le combat pour lequel elle s'est sacrifié.

Madame, nous vous prions,si possible, de nous envoyer par mail sa photo que nous allons bien garder dans notre bureau à titre postume.

Encore une fois, nos condoléances à vous tous ses prohes collaborateurs et à sa famille.

Que la terre de nos ancêtres lui soit douce et legère.

Oswald Rubasha

coordonateur de l'asbl Ouvriers Du Monde, ODM

Bukavu, RDC

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A: La famille de Madame Alison Des Forges

L’Association RWANDA Independent Media Group (RIMEG), en particulier le journal Umuseso, partage la tristesse avec la famille de Madame Alison Des Forges (RIP), avec le peuple américain ainsi que tous les défenseurs des droits et la dignité humaine se trouvant au monde entier, pour la leur grande perte causée par la disparition de Alison Des Forges.

La regrettée Des Forges était un héros sans frontières qui défendait les droits humains. Au Rwanda, d’une façon particulière, elle a été primée d’une médaille pour sa lutte contre le génocide. La mort de Alison Des Forges est une grande perte en matière de ce qu’elle a toujours lutté.

Elle part lorsqu’on avait encore besoin d’elle. Que Dieu accorde à Alison Des Forges la vie éternelle.

La Direction de RIMEG

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C'est avec une très grande tristesse que j'ai dû apprendre la disparition d'Alison. J'ai eu l'honneur de la rencontrer plusieurs fois au Rwanda et j'étais impressionné par son énergie, son courage et son intégrité.
Mes sincères condoléances vont à sa famille, à ses collègues de Human Rights Watch et à tous ceux oeuvrant pour qu'il y ait un peu plus de justice au monde.

Gerd Hankel
Allemagne

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I never met Alison, only through the books, because of the research I'm doing about Rwanda.

But I can see through all the work she developed what an amazing person she was. Being a human rights activist myself at Amnesty International I understand the difficult but right decisions she had to take regarding research in Rwanda, always placing Human Rights in first place.
It is such a loss... my condolences are with her family, colleagues in HRW and friends she had around the world.
Amahoro Alison, you will be missed...
Ana Monteiro
Portugal

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I didn't know Alison personally, but of course I knew of her work, and admired her greatly from a distance. She was deeply respected by friends and colleagues at International Crisis Group for her professional and moral integrity. Her critically important work in documenting atrocities by all sides in Central Africa’s conflicts has long been an inspiration. She is mourned by us all.

Nick Grono
Deputy President (Operations)
International Crisis Group

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I was in Kigali in 2006, the Genocide center, went out to the refugee camps just outside town with some WFP people.
Rwanda needs all the witnesses it needs - its people need to have those to whom to tell their stories, to speak their pain, their grief, their disbelief. They have lost a real voice here, one less to tell the story. Soon there will be none...

James Rose
CEO
Random Ax Media

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Posted by HRW.org visitor

0NGMTRPMNEGMT_TuePMGMTE_0-0400N23

Mr. Kenneth Roth
Executive Director
Human Rights Watch

17 February 2009

Dear Sir,

The Netherlands Embassy, in its capacity as local EU Presidency, and on behalf of the European Commission and EU Member States represented in Rwanda, should like to extend its sincere condolences to all staff of Human Rights Watch with regard to the passing away of Alison Des Forges.

Alison will be remembered as a most respected authority on issues relating to Rwanda and the invaluable contributions she has made to the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda as well as to other trials.

We wish her bereaved family and immediate colleagues all the strength they need in coming to terms with this great loss.

Respectfully yours,
Frans Makken
Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Rwanda

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