Roméo Dallaire
Full Name and Common Aliases
#### Roméo Gaetan Dallaire
Roméo Dallaire is commonly known as General Roméo Dallaire.
Birth and Death Dates
#### Born: March 25, 1947 (alive)
There is no recorded date of death for Roméo Dallaire.
Nationality and Profession(s)
#### Canadian
#### Military Officer, Politician
Roméo Dallaire is a renowned Canadian military officer, politician, and humanitarian. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces for over three decades and later became a senator in the Canadian Parliament.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Quebec, Canada, Roméo Dallaire was raised by his parents in a French-speaking environment. His family's cultural heritage significantly influenced his identity and shaped his early years. Dallaire's father, who served as an officer in the Royal 22e Régiment, instilled in him strong values of duty and service.
Dallaire attended the Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf high school before enrolling at the École militaire de Saint-Jean to pursue a career in the military. He graduated with honors from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) in 1969, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in History.
Major Accomplishments
Dallaire's distinguished military career was marked by numerous accomplishments:
Commander of Canadian Forces in Rwanda: In 1993-1994, Dallaire led the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) during a critical period in Rwandan history. He played a pivotal role in efforts to prevent genocide and protect civilians.
Canadian Senator: After retiring from military service, Dallaire was appointed as a Canadian senator in 2005. During his tenure, he advocated for various causes, including veterans' rights, mental health awareness, and humanitarian aid.
Humanitarian Work: Throughout his career, Dallaire has been an outspoken advocate for human rights, particularly in the context of conflict zones. He has worked extensively with organizations like the Canadian Red Cross and the UN.Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions attributed to Roméo Dallaire include:
Book Author: In 2003, Dallaire published his memoir, _Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda_, which provides a detailed account of his experiences during the Rwandan genocide.
Humanitarian Efforts: Dallaire has been involved in various humanitarian initiatives, including working with displaced persons and advocating for peacekeeping reforms.Impact and Legacy
Roméo Dallaire's impact extends far beyond his military service:
Advocacy for Mental Health: Dallaire has become a prominent advocate for mental health awareness, sharing his own struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
* Promoting Human Rights: Through his work as a senator and humanitarian, Dallaire continues to champion human rights, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Dallaire's tireless advocacy for human rights, mental health awareness, and humanitarian causes has made him an influential figure. His experiences during the Rwandan genocide have provided a unique perspective on the importance of peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
Quotes by Roméo Dallaire
More and more, we have been able to present the argument that recruitment of child soldiers is a social breakdown that leads to atrocities, because that's why they get them.
I felt it absolutely essential that we plant the U.N. flag in Rwanda and plant it in a place of significance to show all the political entities, all the signees of the agreement and the Rwandans... that the international community were here and we're here to stay and we're going to be doing our job.
Now, in this U.N. stuff, the commander, although he has troops, they don't really belong to him. They're loaned by the country to the U.N. to be used, but each of these countries provide a contingent commander, a senior guy who communicates directly back to his capital.
Death became a desired option. I hoped I would hit a mine or run into an ambush and just end it all. I think some part of me wanted to join the legions of the dead, whom I had failed.
The first breath of air of Africa - it felt like you were in another continent - you were, you were - and it was different.
Kofi Annan was the U.N. Under-Secretary General for peacekeeping operations. He had the responsibilities in regards to the mounting and operation of peacekeeping missions around the world.
I think the only value of 'Hotel Rwanda' is the fact that it keeps the Rwandan genocide alive, but as far as content, it's Hollywood.
I promised never to let the Rwandan Genocide die because I knew the Rwandans didn't have much power internationally and certainly didn't have the resources. I felt it was my duty having witnessed it, and having stayed to witness it, that I had to talk about it and keep it going.
I know there is a God because in Rwanda I shook hands with the devil. I have seen him, I have smelled him and I have touched him. I know the devil exists, and therefore I know there is a God.