On April 6, 1994, Rwanda experienced a time of great turmoil when thousands of people fell victim to the horrors of the Rwandan Genocide. The main targets of the genocide were the Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Although the main cause of the genocide was a conflict between two ethnic groups, the genocide was also fueled by political factors and social conditions. Rwanda is the smallest sub-Saharan country with a population of around 7 million. Although the indigenous people of Rwanda are the Twa, they now represent a minority. 90% of Rwanda's population is made up of Hutu, while the rest of the population is made up mostly of Tutsi. The hatred between the two ethnic groups had started in the pre-colonial era, long before the 20th century. The gruesome events of the genocide lasted for 100 days and many casualties occurred during this period. The crimes committed during the genocide were fueled by revenge and hatred. Many places such as schools, churches and hospitals were used as a place of refuge for large populations of Tutsi victims; however, these locations often became major sites of mass murder. These mass murder events simply increased tensions between Hutus and Tutsis, allowing numerous hate crimes to continue. The influence of Hutu radio stations and media played a key role in encouraging Hutus to target Tutsi civilians and Hutu moderates. The genocide triggered a worldwide response and required the involvement of the United Nations. Because of this event, many people were victims of violence and brutality at the hands of radicals and extremists. The Roots of the Rwandan Genocide The Berlin Conference awarded Rwanda to Germany in 1884. Believing that the Tutsis had migrated to Rwanda from Ethiopia, the Germans co.. .... middle of paper ...... the trial prosecutor, Richard Goldstone of South Africa, was also a prosecutor during the International Criminal Tribunal for the country formerly known as Yugoslavia (ITCY). Following the Rwandan trials, many war criminals were prosecuted and sentenced accordingly. After the RPF's victory, the UN significantly increased the size and strength of UNAMIR, increasing its capabilities and equipment. Furthermore, the RPF created a new government similar to Habyarimana's before the genocide. The constitution of the new government was based on the Arusha Accords and the declarations of numerous political parties throughout Rwanda. Additionally, the Rwandan Patriotic Front has outlawed the MRND party and banned political organizing. Today, the current Rwandan government does not support discrimination based on ethnicity, race or religion.