Today marks the 29th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, during which over one million victims were killed over their innate personality. As we take a moment to remember the victims, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has reminded the world not to forget what happened and ensure future generations always remember.
In his annual commemorative message on the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, Guterres mourned the lives lost and paid tribute to the resilience of the survivors.
He recognized the journey of the Rwandan people towards healing, restoration, and reconciliation, while also acknowledging the failure of the international community to prevent such atrocities.
“A generation since the Genocide, we must never forget what happened – and ensure future generations always remember,” said Guterres. He also highlighted how easily hate speech – a key indicator of the risk of genocide – turns to hate crime and how “complacency in the face of atrocity is complicity.”
The prevention of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other serious violations of international law is a shared responsibility and a “core duty” of every member of the United Nations, according to Guterres. He stressed the need for all nations to stand firm against rising intolerance, be ever vigilant, and always ready to act.
As we remember the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Guterres called on the world to truly honor their memory by building a future of dignity, security, justice, and human rights for all.
“No place and no time are immune to danger, including our own.”
On Friday, April 14, the Memorial Ceremony to mark the 29th anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi will be held at UN Headquarters in NY. The event will feature addresses by the Secretary-General, the President of the UN General Assembly, and other officials, as well as remarks from a survivor of the Genocide.
