Paul Rusesabagina is credited with saving the lives for more than 1,200 refugees during the Rwandan genocide that claimed over one million innocent lives.

Rusesabagina, who was born in central Rwanda to a farming family was the assistant manager at the Hotel des Mille Collines at the onset of the genocide that was perpetrated by members of Interahamwe militia.

The Interahamwe targeted people of the Tutsi race and also moderate Hutu’s at a time when the country was in the middle of both political and racial tensions.

During the 100 day genocide, Rusesabagina helped to shelter more than 1,200 people at the hotel and used many of his business and political connections to help keep the building both secure and safe.

With the help of the United Nations, Rusesabagina and his fellow refugees were able to escape the hotel on a convoy of trucks and eventually fled to Tanzania.

After the genocide with over, Rusesabagina and his family returned to Rwanda for two years before finally moving to Belgium.

Much has been written about Rusesabagina and his story, and the 2004 film “Hotel Rwanda” became a Academy award nominated movie for best picture.

Source: CNN – Connect the World Blog