The introduction of the Gacaca jurisdictions is generally considered to be the major element in efforts to date to achieve national reconciliation and justice in Rwanda following the 1994 genocide. The enormity of the challenge faced by the national government in resolving the cases of thousands of individuals charged with offences related to crimes of genocide or against humanity, during a period when the country is struggling to re-establish economic and social normality inside Rwanda and peace in the whole region, cannot be underestimated.

The purpose of this report, produced by the PRI team at Kigali, is to inform and advise the planning and practice of the Rwandan authorities charged with this responsibility and also provide the international community with the data necessary for them to gauge progress and developments in Gacaca programme activities.