17th anniversary of the Genocide in Rwanda

(April 08, 2011,Nairobi)- It was seventeen years ago that Rwanda lost more than 800, 000 people in 100 days during the genocide of 1994. The land of a thousand hills was awash with blood of innocent men, women and children, brutally massacred in one of the world’s most infamous genocides.

On the 7th of April 2011 at the Rwanda High Commission in Kenya, a commemoration ceremony was held in observance of the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda to honour the survivors and victims of the genocide. The event was organized by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC-Nairobi) and the Rwanda High Commission.

In his statement on behalf of the Kenyan government, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Prof. George Saitoti acknowledged the dignity demonstrated by the people and government of Rwanda in working towards national recovery over the years. Saitoti affirmed that preventing genocide is a collective and individual responsibility, urging everyone to continue promoting the inclusive spirit.

The Rwanda High Commissioner, William Kayonga called for the building of a prosperous and secure Rwanda through living and working together to shape a bright future. He reiterated the need for truth as a way of honouring both the victims and survivors of the genocide.

In his message presented by the Director General of UNON, Mr. Achim Steiner, the UN Secretary-General asserted the Organization’s commitment to prevent the recurrence of similar tragedies. He urged everyone to pay special tribute to the Rwanda people and government for the resilience displayed in working towards national recovery and also encouraged the continued promotion of dialogue necessary for healing, reconciliation and reconstruction.

Mr. Roland Amoussouga of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) highlighted the considerable energy and resources spent by the Tribunal to bring to account those who played a leading role in the 1994 genocide. Amoussouga attested that only through keeping the memory of the Rwanda genocide alive would we maintain the candle-light of hope burning so that the “never again concept” can be a reality .

Symbolic candles were lit at a special area at both the Rwanda High Commission and UNON in honour of all the genocide victims and was followed by laying of white roses and a minute of silence. A white cloth was also available at the two locations for people to share their messages of hope to the people of Rwanda.

The commemoration ceremony, which included prayers from various faith-based organizations, was attended by more than 500 guests.