Introduction

In 1994 ethnic tensions in Rwanda erupted into violence as members of Rwanda’s majority Hutu ethnic group began murdering members of the country’s other main ethnic group, the Tutsi, throughout the country.  Some half a million people died, including ten UN personnel. Strict rules of engagement prevented UN troops from intervening and many members of the peacekeeping force then in the country, UNAMIR (United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda), were withdrawn.  In response to a UN call to contribute personnel to a reinforced peacekeeping deployment, Australia sent two contingents of medical and support units to Rwanda beginning in August 1994.  Australian peacekeepers worked in the capital, Kigali, and travelled throughout the country, providing medical help to civilians, including those in internment and refugee camps.  Australian personnel remained in Rwanda until August 1995.  Members of both contingents were confronted with scenes of violence and brutality the like of which few other Australian peacekeepers had experienced.  Many have suffered from PTSD since their return.

Getting to the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial – What to expect

A national service to commemorative the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda, Operation TAMAR will be planned and delivered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The service will be held at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial on Anzac Parade, Canberra on Saturday, 22 February 2020, commencing at 10:00am.

The service will be conducted outdoors with seating and temporary shelter provided. As February is during summer, hot weather is expected.  Visitors should ensure they review the local weather forecasts and prepare accordingly. This includes bringing bottled water and appropriate clothing and sun protection.

Limited medical support is provided at the commemoration. Visitors should ensure to bring their own medication, including non-prescription pain relief medication as this is not available from authorities on site. The medical support provided is equipped for medical emergencies only and is not designed to treat minor ailments.

Traffic arrangements

Road closures will be in place on Anzac Parade on Saturday, 22 February 2020. There will be limited parking available in surrounding streets. Attendees are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from the Memorial.

Seating

Seating at the commemoration is not allocated or reserved and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessible seating

Limited seating and assistance will be available for visitors at the commemoration who have accessibility requirements.

Wreath-laying

Wreath laying, by invited official representatives, will occur during the services.

Members of the public who wish to lay a wreath will have the opportunity to do so at the conclusion of the service.

Members of the public who are laying a wreath/tribute are to supply their own and it is their responsibility to carry it with them, care for it and transport it to the service. There are no facilities or arrangements for storage or transport of personal wreaths at the service.

Contact information

In Australia

Department of Veterans’ Affairs

• Phone: 1300 364 002
• Email: commemorations@dva.gov.au