Roméo Dallaire

Speaker's bio

Lieutenant-General (ret) The Honourable Roméo A. Dallaire, O.C., C.M.M., G.O.Q., M.S.C., C.D., L.O.M. (U.S.), B.ésS., LL.D. (Hon.), D.Sc.Mil (Hon.), D.U.

General Roméo Dallaire is a celebrated advocate for global human rights, as well as a highly respected author, public speaker, leadership consultant, international advisor, former Canadian Senator, and founder of La Fondation Roméo Dallaire and the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security.

Throughout his distinguished military career, General Dallaire served most notably as Force Commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) during the 1994 genocide.

Rwanda Genocide Mission

General Dallaire provided the United Nations with advance information about the planned massacre, which ultimately took more than 800,000 lives in less than 100 days. Despite being ordered by the UN not to intervene and to withdraw, he and a small contingent—including Canadian, Ghanaian, and Tunisian soldiers—chose to disobey, believing they had a moral obligation to stay, help where possible, and bear witness.

Armed only with blue berets, General Dallaire and his team saved 32,000 people from massacre, negotiated with rebel leaders to halt the killing, and repeatedly urged UN member states and international media to intervene. With only a few thousand troops and ammunition to reinforce his efforts, it is believed he could have prevented much of the bloodshed. Instead, two million people were displaced and nearly a million lives were lost.

Recognition and Awards

General Dallaire’s courage and leadership earned him numerous honors, including:

• The Order of Canada
• The Meritorious Service Cross
• The United States Legion of Merit
• The Aegis Award on Genocide Prevention

He continues to be admired worldwide for his moral conviction and humanitarian leadership.

Ongoing Work

Whether as a military commander, humanitarian, speaker, or author, General Dallaire works tirelessly to bring national and international attention to urgent global issues. His focus includes:

• Preventing mass atrocities
• Ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers
• Supporting veterans and families living with PTSD
• Advancing strategic solutions for lasting peace