Director-General's remarks at the 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

Monday, 15 April 2024, at 16:00

Room XX, Palais des Nations

Ambassador Ngango,

Deputy High Commissioner Ms. Al-Nashif, 

Mr. Murangira [President of IBUKA],

Ms. Neila [Survivor],

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

We are gathering today in this symbolic room for the commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. 

I would like to sincerely thank the Permanent Mission of Rwanda for co-organizing this commemoration with UNOG, and for continuing this important tradition at the Palais des Nations. 

It is now my privilege to share with you the message of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on this important occasion:

“On this day in 1994, and for the nearly 100 days that followed, one million Tutsi children, women and men were killed by their fellow Rwandans. 

Families turned against families, friends became foes, and a dark spirit of intentional and brutal violence engulfed a nation. 

We will never forget the victims of this genocide. Nor will we ever forget the bravery and resilience of those who survived, whose courage and willingness to forgive remain a burst of light and hope amidst this dark chapter in human history. 

This year, we remind ourselves of genocide’s rancid root: hate. 

We can draw a straight line between the senseless slaughter of one million Tutsi — as well as some Hutu and others who opposed the genocide — and the decades of hate speech that preceded it, enflamed by ethnic tensions and the long shadow of colonialism. 

Today, around the world, the darkest impulses of humanity are being awakened once more by the voices of extremism, division and hate. 

To those who would seek to divide us, we must deliver a clear, unequivocal and urgent message: never again. 

On this solemn day of remembrance, let’s pledge to stand as one against all forms of hatred and discrimination. 

Let’s ensure that the acts that began on April 7, 1994 are never forgotten — and never repeated. Anywhere.”

That was the end of the Secretary-General’s message.

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Allow me now to add a few remarks of my own on this important Day. 

The lessons of Rwanda are particularly relevant nowadays as we are witnessing an unprecedented rise in hate speeches and hate crimes in many parts of the world. Xenophobia, racism and intolerance undermine social cohesion, erode shared values and lay the foundation for violence – setting back the pursue of peace, stability, and the fulfilment of human rights for all. 

The United Nations will continue sparing no effort to combat hate speech and incitement to violence, in line with its system-wide strategy and plan of action to combat hate speech. 

The United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect stands as the global focal point on the implementation of this Strategy, including by supporting United Nations field presences, Member States, and civil society to develop context specific and national action plans on addressing and countering hate speech.

Prevention is the best medicine to fight spreading xenophobia, racism and discrimination.  However, strengthening prevention goes well beyond legislative frameworks and early warning mechanisms. Hate speech, like any other global challenge, should be tackled in a holistic way, in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including religious leaders, civil society organizations, as well as media, tech companies and social media platforms. 

The Summit of the Future presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance cooperation on critical challenges identified in the Secretary-General’s Our Common Agenda report. For example, the zero draft of the Global Digital Compact, released in the beginning of this month, contains a reference to the collective responsibility to prevent technology-facilitated hate speech, discrimination, information manipulation and disinformation. I wish to take this opportunity to thank all Geneva-based partners for their valuable contribution and active participation in the consultations in the lead up to the Summit of the Future in September. 

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

The tragedy in Rwanda 30 years ago has clearly demonstrated that genocide is not a single event but a process that evolves over time and requires planning and resources. It also means that with adequate information, mobilization, courage and political will, genocide can be prevented.

The most powerful voices for genocide prevention are the survivors. We are privileged to have with us today Ms. Clarisse Neila who will share her testimony. Her personal story

serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness. 

Rwanda has learned from its tragedy and so must the international community. It is our duty and moral obligation to promote cooperation, international responsibility and solidarity.

On this solemn Day, let us all commit to building a world guided by human rights, dignity and respect for all.

I thank you for your attention.