International community urged to help

The UN Human Rights Commission has hailed continuing efforts by Rwanda to build a state based on the rule of law and respect for human rights. In a resolution passed this week, it condemned weapons sales to the Interahamwe and ex-FAR and expressed concern over detention conditions in Rwanda. It urged the international community to provide financial and technical assistance to the country. Amnesty International on Monday criticised the UN Human Rights Commission for its response to the human rights situation in any given country. "Striking deals and negotiating over human rights have become a standard practice of the Commission proceedings," it said. "In some cases this year, the Commission's action has been completely unrealistic and irrelevant." In the case of Rwanda, Amnesty noted there had been no UN international human rights monitoring presence since last July when the government expelled the team, and that violations were reportedly being carried out by both the government and rebels.