Roméo Dallaire
- Biography
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Roméo Dallaire is a Canadian humanitarian, retired lieutenant-general, and senator. He is best known for his service as Force Commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) during the Rwandan Genocide in 1994. He is also a vocal advocate for the prevention of genocide and the protection of children in war zones.
Early Life
Roméo Dallaire was born in Denekamp, Netherlands on June 25, 1946. His father, Roméo Dallaire Sr., was a Canadian soldier who had been stationed in the Netherlands during World War II. When Dallaire was two years old, his family moved to Canada and settled in Quebec.
Dallaire attended the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Military and Strategic Studies in 1968. He then joined the Canadian Armed Forces and was commissioned as an officer in the Royal 22e Régiment.
Military Career
Dallaire served in the Canadian Armed Forces for over 30 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant-general. He served in a variety of roles, including as commander of the 5e Groupe-brigade mécanisé du Canada in Valcartier, Quebec, and as commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) from 1993 to 1994.
During his time as Force Commander of UNAMIR, Dallaire was instrumental in trying to prevent the Rwandan Genocide. Despite his efforts, the genocide occurred and Dallaire was deeply affected by the experience. He later wrote a book about his experience, entitled Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda.
Advocacy Work
Since his retirement from the military in 2000, Dallaire has become a vocal advocate for the prevention of genocide and the protection of children in war zones. He is the founder of the Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative, which works to end the use of child soldiers in armed conflicts.
He is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about his own struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In 2004, he was appointed to the Senate of Canada, where he served until his retirement in 2014.
Legacy
Roméo Dallaire is widely regarded as a hero for his efforts to prevent the Rwandan Genocide and his advocacy work for the protection of children in war zones. He has received numerous awards and honours, including the Meritorious Service Cross, the Order of Canada, and the United Nations Human Rights Prize. He is also the recipient of numerous honorary degrees from universities around the world.
Dallaire’s legacy will continue to live on through his work to prevent genocide and protect children in war zones. He is an inspiration to many and a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of great adversity.
Date modified: Apr 8, 2023We seek for an accuracy and correctness in our content. In case you spot any mistake, please contact us
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