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NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors

Australian peacekeepers honoured by Rwandan community in Australia (Remembering Operation Tamar)

 

STARTTS was proud to support an event this week commemorating the 26th anniversary of Australia’s participation in Operation Tamar at NSW Parliament House hosted by the Hon. Dr Geoff Lee, NSW Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans.

The event included a panel discussion focusing on peacekeeping, Operation Tamar, the Kibeho massacre, Human Rights and PTSD.

Distinguished guests in attendance included, Retired Air Vice Marshal Tracy Lee Smart AO, Blair Tidey ANU/Australian Army, Dr David Sutton, Senior Historian and Concept Developer, Australian War Memorial, Kirsten Keith, human rights activist, Mr Theophile Habarimana, President of FRCA, and political analyst, Dr Leon Hartwell.

Organised by the Federation of Rwandan Communities of Australia Inc. (FRCA) in partnership with the African Australian Advocacy Centre (ACCC), the aim of the event was for the Rwandan Community in Australia to honour Australian peacekeepers who were deployed to serve in Operation Tamar.

Operation Tamar was established in 1994 as part of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) in the aftermath of the country’s civil war and genocide.

Two contingents of Australians – a total of 652 personnel – served in Rwanda between 7 August 1994 and 23 August 1995.The Australian contingent was tasked with providing medical aid to the United Nations force and to the Rwandan people.

The Australian service men and women faced unprecedented conditions dealing with death, disease and destruction in the aftermath of the genocide.

The legacy of service in Rwanda continues to affect many veterans of Operation Tamar to this day.

The African Australian Advocacy Centre (AAAC) is a collaborative organisation of diverse individuals and agencies focused on advocating for the interests of the African Australian community.

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