Carine Kanimba

Human rights activist
Daughter of Paul Rusesabagina, "Hotel Rwanda."

Carine Kanimba is a human rights activist and the adopted daughter of Paul Rusesabagina, the hotel manager whose heroic actions during the 1994 Rwandan genocide inspired the film "Hotel Rwanda." 

Born in Rwanda, Carine and her sister Anaïse were adopted by Rusesabagina after their biological parents were murdered during the genocide. As a Belgian-American citizen, Kanimba has become an advocate for human rights, particularly in her fight for her father's freedom. In August 2020, Paul Rusesabagina was abducted by the Rwandan government and detained on terrorism charges, which his family and international human rights organizations denounced as politically motivated. Kanimba started a global campaign to secure her father's release.

During her advocacy work, Carine herself became a target of surveillance. Forensic analysis revealed that her phone had been compromised multiple times by Pegasus spyware, potentially exposing her communications with US, European, and British government officials.

Despite facing personal risks, Carine continued her tireless efforts to free her father and raise awareness about human rights abuses. Her persistence and dedication played a key role in the international pressure that ultimately led to Rusesabagina's release in March 2023.

What Does It Mean to Be a Global Citizen?

Together, Carine Kanimba and Y-Vonne Hutchinson will explore the interconnectedness of global issues and their impact on individual lives. The discussion brings together Kanimba's personal experience with international human rights and Hutchinson's expertise as a international human rights lawyer and consultant on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Carine and Y-Vonne argue that events happening across the world are relevant to everyone’s own lives, even when there doesn’t seem to be a direct link. They disagree with the temptation to ignore international issues, and instead propose new ways to engage with global challenges without becoming overwhelmed.

Carine and Y-Vonne will talk about the intersection of DEI, human rights, and global belonging, and how these concepts are intrinsically linked in our increasingly interconnected world. 

With the upcoming consequential US election in mind, the talk also goes into the significance of being a global citizen on the world stage. Carine and Y-Vonne will discuss how individual actions and awareness can contribute to broader international dynamics and policy decisions.

By the end of the, talk hopes to answer the question: what does it mean to be a global citizen?