As the world marks the grim anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda—during which Hutu and others who opposed the massacre were also killed—the UN Secretary‑General emphasized that a generation later we must “never 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, António Guterres mourned “the more than one million children, women and men who perished in one hundred days of horror 29 years ago.” He honoured the memory of the victims—predominantly Tutsi, but also Hutu and others who opposed the genocide—paid tribute to the resilience of survivors, and recognised the Rwandan people’s journey toward healing, restoration and reconciliation. He also recalled, with shame, the failure of the international community.
Guterres warned that hate speech, a key indicator of the risk of genocide, can quickly turn into hate crime, and that “complacency in the face of atrocity is complicity.” No place or time is immune to danger, he said, and everyone must stand firm against intolerance. Preventing genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other serious violations of international law is a shared responsibility and a “core duty” of every United Nations member. He called on people in all nations to remain vigilant, to act when needed, and to truly honour the memory of all Rwandans who perished by building a future of dignity, security, justice and human rights for all.
The memorial ceremony marking the 29th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi will be held at UN Headquarters in New York on Friday, 14 April. It will feature addresses by the Secretary‑General, the President of the UN General Assembly and other officials, as well as remarks from a survivor. A wreath‑laying, candle‑lighting ceremony and statements from senior UN officials and survivor testimonies will take place at the UN Office in Geneva on Thursday, 13 April.
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