A cura do trauma e o processo de construção da paz: um estudo de caso de Ruanda

Abstract

The present thesis analyzes the idea of trauma healing in a context of post-conflict peacebuilding. After a conflict or a genocide, it is common that an individual who experienced the violent event becomes traumatized, this unhealed trauma can result in mental and physiological disorders. When the trauma affects several people simultaneously, we have the collective trauma that involves not only the individual, but also the entire society. This research highlights the importance of including healing interventions in the peacebuilding process, as the trauma literature asserts that these activities are essential for reducing violence and building long-term peace. To exemplify this scenario, the case of Rwanda is investigated. In 1994, a genocide happened in the country, and even today, almost 30 years later, this violent incident still harms its citizens. Through an analytical framework, two societal healing projects are analyzed in Rwanda, one by the Rwandan NGO Never Again Rwanda, lasting four years and another one by the American NGO Karuna Center for Peacebuilding, lasting three years. Through them, we seek to demonstrate in practice the importance and efficiency of trauma healing interventions.