International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

The International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda seeks to remember those who tragically lost their lives during the horrific events that took place. Moreover, its purpose is to serve as a stark reminder to continuously strive towards peace, harmony, and the prevention of such heinous acts in the future. This is a significant observance in the world calendar and holds particular weight for United Nations (UN) members, committed as they are to promoting human rights and upholding international law.

The roots of the Observance lie in the 1994 genocide in which about one million Tutsi, and also moderate Hutu and Twa, were systematically murdered in Rwanda over a span of approximately 100 days. For the United Kingdom, a United Nations member, the commemoration is more than just remembering the atrocities. The observance embodies the ethos of “Never Again” and serves as a call to action against hatred, prejudice, and genocide. The UN enacted the Observance in 2003, and the United Kingdom, aligning with its fundamental principles, recognises this momentous global event.

In the United Kingdom, the observance is marked through educational programmes conducted by human rights organisations and academic institutions. These help to bring awareness to the genocide and promote initiatives that encourage peace and harmony. As an active participant in UN affairs, the UK supports programs internationally to ensure that such acts are prevented. In compliance with the global observance, the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda takes place annually on the 7th of April in the United Kingdom.

Facts about this day

• More than one million people were systematically killed in less than three months. The Tutsi people made up the majority of deaths, but the Hutu, the Twa, and others who opposed the genocide were also targeted.
• On this day, we honor those who were murdered, we reflect on the suffering and we recognize the resilience of those who have survived. As we join in solidarity with people of Rwanda, we must take a hard look at today's world and ensure that we heed the lessons of 27 years ago - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, 2021
• The United Kingdom has admitted its failure to intervene in the genocide. Baroness Valerie Amos, who served as the UK's Secretary of State for International Development during the aftermath of the genocide in Rwanda, publicly stated in 2004, "We did not fully respond. We failed to prevent the genocide in Rwanda. We must remember and learn."
• In 1994, the UK, through its Department for International Development (DFID), provided £70 million in humanitarian aid during and immediately after the genocide.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

Top things to do in the UK for this observance

• Watch UNESCO's panel discussion From Hate Speech to Genocide: lessons from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
• Explore several photo exhibits curated by survivors.
• Visit the Kwibuka Rwanda exhibit by Dr Julia Viebach (University of Oxford Faculty of Law), which the highlights story of genocide survivors’ attempts to come to terms with loss and trauma.
• read a book to learn more about 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda in United Kingdom:
  We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families: Stories from Rwanda - by Philip Gourevitch: This is a powerful exploration of the horrors of the genocide, blending eye-witness testimonials and deep analysis.
  Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda - by Roméo Dallaire: Romeo Dallaire, the former commander of the UN Force in Rwanda, gives a first-hand account of the genocide and the international community's failure to intervene.