PURPOSE: The United Nations General Assembly declared 7 April as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.The Assembly members calls upon States to recommit to preventing and fighting against genocide and other serious crimes under international law, and underscores the importance of taking into account lessons learned from the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, during which Hutu and others who opposed it were also killed.
FORUM: "Remembering the victims and the survivors of the Rwanda Genocide." 2024 International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. It’s time to promote education about genocides as a means to sensitize learners for the causes, dynamics and consequences of such crimes and to strengthen their resilience against all forms of discrimination. Its been 30 years following bloodshed in Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda during 1994. As Rwandans with an ambition towards a good future, lets not value any fact that can lead us back to such devilish darkness. Compiling the testimonies has been a group effort. Join the conversation with the hashtags #RememberUniteRenew, #7april, #Kwibuka29, #PreventGenocide.
EVENTS: To mark the 30th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, The United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations member states will organize a ceremony in memory of the victims. The commemoration at UNESCO will include high-level interventions from Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General, H.E. Mr. François-Xavier Ngarambe, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Rwanda to France, Permanent Delegate, and testimony from genocide survivors. the commemorative ceremony will beIt is moderated by the Vice-President of IBUKA France. The commemorations are organized in partnership with the Permanent Delegation of Rwanda to UNESCO.
What: The African Union Commission (AUC) through the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) of the African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Ethiopia and Permanent Mission to the African Union and UNECA, is organizing the 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda (Kwibuka30) under the theme “Remember-Unite-Renew“. The event includes a ‘Walk to Remember’ and a high level event.
When: Sunday, 07 April 2024, 9:00 am: ‘Walk to remember’, 11:00am: High level event, 1:00pm: Press briefing and refreshments
Where: At the Headquarters of the AUC, Mandela Hall
Background: During a span of one hundred days, over one million Rwandan citizens lost their precious lives in the Genocide committed against the Tutsi in 1994. Since April 7, 2010, as per the decision of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the African Union (AU) has been organizing annual commemoration events. The year 2024 signifies the 30th anniversary of those tragic days, a significant moment to honor the deceased, stand in solidarity with survivors, and join together to prevent such atrocities from occurring ever again. Additionally, it presents an opportunity to gain insights into Rwanda’s journey of healing, reconciliation and nation-building.
Purpose: The overall purpose of this annual commemoration is to continuously awaken greater awareness of the African peoples and the international community about the value of life and humanity, and to renew our collective commitment to protect and uphold fundamental human rights.
Participation: The 30th Commemoration is expected to be attended by Officials from the AUC, AU Member States, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, AU Organs, RECs, Religious Institutions, Human Rights Institutions, Intergovernmental organizations, Civil Society Organizations, UN Agencies, Think Tanks, International Organizations, Schools and Academic Institutions in Ethiopia as well as the Rwandan Community in Addis Ababa.
The AUC/PAPS of the AU, in collaboration with the RwandainAddis, commemorates the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda as Kwibuka30, under the theme: “Remember-Unite-Renew” at the AUHQ. Watch the livestream!
PODCASTS: Education can play a key role in preventing genocide by providing a forum to address past violence while promoting the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that can help prevent current day group-targeted violence. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: REMEMBER-UNITE-RENEW. Get the campaign materials!
WHY WE OBSERVE THE DAY?
The date of 7 April marks the beginning of the genocide perpetrated against members of the Tutsi minority by the Hutu extremist-led government. Within just over 100 days, more than 1 million Tutsi were systematically murdered. Moderate Hutu and others who opposed the massacres were also killed during this period.
ACTIONS
Talk with communities about the atrocities of genocide and the importance of working towards a peaceful way of life.
Take measures to mobilize civil society; Diplomats and key community figures on the consequences of the genocide.
Observe a minute of silence for the victims and the survivors.
Help prevent future acts of genocide.
PARNERSHIPS
The International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the tsuti n Rwanda, is organized by the Outreach Programme on the Rwanda Genocide and the United Nation; The UNESCO; The Permanent Mission of Rwanda to the U.N.; The Permanent Mission of United States to the U.N; The Permanent mission of France to the U.N.; The Aegis Trust Genocide Archive of Rwanda; The Rwandan National Commission for the Fight against Genocide;The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center; The USC Shoah Foundation