Dr. Alison Des Forges was killed when Continental flight #3407 crashed near Buffalo on February 12, 2009.
Des Forges, 66, of Buffalo, was senior adviser for Human Rights Watch's Africa division. Considered one of the world's leading experts on the genocide in Rwanda, Des Forges testified at 11 trials at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda as an expert witness. She was named a MacArthur Fellow in 1999.
Des Forges was returning home to Buffalo after a trip to Europe, where she briefed diplomats on the situation in Rwanda and Africa's Great Lakes region, said Emma Daly, spokeswoman for Human Rights Watch. She sent an e-mail to colleagues from the airport before boarding the plane.
"She was working till the end," Daly said.
Des Forges had a "tremendous commitment to human rights and her tremendous principles," Daly said.
"She made herself very unpopular with the Rwandan government by insisting that they be held responsible for the crimes they committed before the genocide," Daly said.
Daly called Des Forges "a thorn in everyone's side, which is a testament to her integrity."
Des Forges was born in Schenectady, N.Y., in 1942. In 1964, she married Roger Des Forges, a University of Buffalo historian specializing in China. She is survived by a daughter, a son, and three grandchildren.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
Dear Dr. Alex Des Forges,
I knew you from the Math League in high school as a competitor from Lafayette HS. I only learned tonight of your mother's loss on the plane crash in Clarence. However late they may be, my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Jeff Burke
June 25, 2013 | Redlands, CA
Sandy, Jessie & Dr Des Forges,
I was just catching up on an old issue of the Economist and I was floored by this sad news. It's been many years but I still remember how your family made us feel welcomed when we first arrived in Buffalo & City Honors. My deepest condolences for your loss and I hope you take comfort and pride in how she touched so many people during her life.
Ning Wang
May 03, 2009 | Boston, MA
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lorraine Kaehler
March 12, 2009 | Eastern Shore, MD
The loss of someone as wonderful and gifted as yourself is so sad.
The blessing is, you have left a wonderful legacy for all of us left behind to treasure.
God Bless you and Rest in Peace.
LE
February 28, 2009 | Fayetteville, GA
Jessie, I am deeply saddened for your loss...on the few occasions I met your mother she was very warm and kind. I had no idea she had such a positive impact on so many lives. My experience of your mother's kindness was of her impact as a mother on your friendship, kindness, and wisdom. Love forever, Matt Chambers.
Matthew Chambers
February 22, 2009 | Voorheesville, NY
Jessie, may the memories of your wonderful mother fill your heart with a vigor to continue to better our wretched world. Deepest Sympathies and your friend always, Matthew Chambers
Matthew Chambers
February 22, 2009 | Voorheesville, NY
Dear Alex, Jessie, and Roger,
I send my deepest condolensces. I best remember Alison as my instructor in a minicourse on investigating personal heritage that she taught at the Montessori school in Buffalo. It came at a time when I probably knew myself least well and the course did much to introduce me to the idea of personal pride. The patience, and the interest that she took in each of us children to help us look at ourselves was stupefying to me at the time. Knowing that Alison was...
Lucas Dreamer
February 17, 2009 | Brooklyn, NY
Dear Professor Des Forges,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Leon Kuo
February 16, 2009 | Taipei, Taiwan
My condolences to the family. May God give you the strength you need to get through each day.
Chele
February 16, 2009 | FL
