A poigant statement, made by Elie Weisel. I just watched the movie, Beyond the Gates. A film featuring two Europeans caught up in the Rwandan genocide. One was a priest, the other a teacher. The priest is older, and his understanding of life is shaken to its very core by the sheer level of evil that they witnesses as Rwandans kill Rwandans over divisions based on vaguely defined tribes. The teacher struggles to understand the subtleties of Rwandan politics and the paralysis that is international law. Frankly he highlights the difference between words and actions, by the international community. Instead of sending more reinforcements, the UN is ordered to withdraw. Instead of protecting civilians the Europeans save themselves and leave Rwandans to their fate. The news cameras depart as the worst of the genocide begins and the world debates over the merits of using the term genocide (which would oblige action)
This film is one of several based on the sad story of genocide in Rwanda as early as 1994. Yes it makes great cinema but the problem remains. What is the world doing about Darfur, Burma, Zimbabwe? Civilians suffer the most in internal and international conflicts alike. A principle known as The Responsibility to Protect has emerged and could potentially provide hope to many civilians who would normally lose their lives in the face of conflict.
1 comment:
I saw the movie on IFC channel on tv. As a Catholic, I felt happiness at seeing a priest give his life for his flock. Lately,the priests in the news have been caught trying to rape the younger members of their flock. Graham Greene came to mind as I viewed the film. I yearn for the days when the parish priest's greatest sin was alcoholism. God love the Irish priests of our childhood! We take our hope and acceptable compromises where we can.
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