Meaning: The quote "The U.N. was there to protect other Rwandese" by Tony Greig, the former cricketer and commentator, refers to the United Nations' involvement in the Rwandan genocide of 1994. This quote underscores the failure of the international community, represented by the U.N., to effectively protect the people of Rwanda during one of the most devastating genocides in modern history.

In order to fully understand the significance of this quote, it is important to delve into the context of the Rwandan genocide. The genocide, which occurred over a period of 100 days in 1994, resulted in the mass slaughter of an estimated 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu individuals. The violence was perpetrated by the extremist Hutu government and its supporters. Despite the clear and urgent warnings of an impending genocide, the international community, including the United Nations, failed to intervene in a timely and effective manner. This failure had catastrophic consequences for the people of Rwanda.

The United Nations' peacekeeping mission in Rwanda, known as the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), was unable to prevent the widespread violence and killings. The mission, led by Canadian General Roméo Dallaire, was severely under-equipped and lacked the necessary support from the international community to effectively carry out its mandate of protecting civilians. As a result, the U.N.'s presence in Rwanda during the genocide was largely seen as ineffective and insufficient in preventing the atrocities that unfolded.

Tony Greig's quote reflects the frustration and disappointment felt by many individuals who witnessed the tragedy in Rwanda and the failure of the international community to provide adequate protection and support. The U.N.'s inability to fulfill its mandate to protect civilians during the genocide has been widely criticized, and the quote serves as a reminder of the grave consequences of inaction in the face of mass atrocities.

The aftermath of the Rwandan genocide prompted significant reflection and soul-searching within the international community. It highlighted the need for a reevaluation of the U.N.'s role in preventing and responding to such atrocities. The failure in Rwanda led to important discussions about the concept of "responsibility to protect" (R2P), which emphasizes the international community's responsibility to intervene in cases of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity when a state is unable or unwilling to protect its own population.

In the years following the genocide, there have been efforts to reform and strengthen the U.N.'s capacity to prevent and respond to mass atrocities. The international community has worked to improve early warning systems, enhance peacekeeping capabilities, and promote the principles of R2P. However, the quote by Tony Greig serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of the U.N.'s failure to protect the people of Rwanda during one of the darkest chapters in human history.

In conclusion, Tony Greig's quote "The U.N. was there to protect other Rwandese" encapsulates the profound disappointment and criticism directed towards the United Nations and the international community for their failure to effectively intervene and protect the people of Rwanda during the 1994 genocide. The quote serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of inaction in the face of mass atrocities and the urgent need for the international community to uphold its responsibility to protect vulnerable populations around the world.