General Roméo Dallaire Presented a Film in Ukraine on Veterans’ Mental Health and the Consequences of War

On May 28, retired Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire — renowned Canadian military leader, human rights advocate, and mental health activist — presented the documentary Confronted by Evil: General Roméo Dallaire at the Ukrainian Frontline in Kyiv. The screening took place at the Main Building of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

This 30-minute film, directed by Ukrainian filmmaker Lesia Kharchenko in collaboration with the organization Human Rights in Mental Health – FGIP, captures the essence of General Dallaire’s visit to Ukraine in October 2024. The documentary not only showcases his meetings with Ukrainian officials and military personnel but also his profound immersion into the reality of war — from visiting the frontline to engaging with troops recently returned from combat.

In the film, General Dallaire draws global attention to the mental health humanitarian crisis resulting from the war. According to him, over one million Ukrainian veterans and their families are in need of sustained, systemic psychosocial support. He calls for the development of a national strategy and active international exchange of expertise in this area.

The General expressed his gratitude to Ukrainian partners — The Veteran Mental Health Center Of Excellenceat Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine, and Human Rights in Mental Health – FGIP.

General Dallaire also met with Ukrainian servicemembers, government representatives, and international organizations that continue to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom and future. As a former commander of the UN peacekeeping mission who endured the traumatic experience of the Rwandan genocide, Roméo Dallaire today stands as a voice of conscience for the global community, emphasizing: “We no longer have the right to turn away from suffering.”