Genocide and the plight of children in Rwanda

The genocidal campaign in Rwanda has had a disastrous impact on children. More than 100,000 were orphaned or separated from their parents. Survivors are deeply traumatized from the violence they suffered or witnessed and from grief. Children have also suffered the most from malnutrition and diarrheal illnesses in refugee camps. Organizations are trying to match children with missing relatives, but the task is Herculean. Orphanages have been set up, but crowding and lack of individual attention also pose risks to physical and psychological health. Rwanda desperately needs assistance from the international community.