International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Please stand with me as we observe a minute of silence in honour of the victims of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Thank you.

Ambassador Nyirahabimana
Ambassador Getahun
Madam High Commissioner, Madam Pillay
Dr. Gakuba
Excellencies, Ambassadors
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is my privilege to welcome you to our annual commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda, and I thank Ambassador Nyirahabimana for the cooperation in organizing this solemn observance. It is my honour to deliver the Secretary-General’s message on the occasion of this important day, which goes as follows:

On the 19th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda, we remember the more than 800,000 innocent people who lost their lives; we honour the survivors whose resilience continues to inspire; and we commend those -- all too few, tragically -- who came to the defense of their fellow human beings.

Out of the ashes of the genocide, Rwanda has forged a new path, progressing towards a more peaceful and just society. I encourage the people and Government of Rwanda to continue promoting the inclusive spirit and dialogue necessary for healing, reconciliation and reconstruction.

The United Nations works every day to learn the lessons of Rwanda and to prevent any recurrence of such horror. My Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide monitors the world for signs of potential problems. The “responsibility to protect” has taken its place as a new global principle. We are strengthening our capacities for mediation, fact-finding, preventive diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes. And we are focusing on the special procedures and other UN human rights mechanisms, which play a critical early warning role.

We have also made tremendous strides against impunity. Suspected genocidaires and other would-be criminals around the world now know that they will be held accountable before the International Criminal Court, other international tribunals or domestic courts. The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda continues to deliver justice, with the cooperation of Rwanda and other states. International criminal justice is a testament to our collective determination to confront the most heinous crimes. The new age of accountability is real.

Preventing genocide is a shared responsibility. States must uphold their obligations under international law to prevent abuses and protect their populations. Collectively, we must go beyond words and effectively safeguard people at risk. And individually, we must nurture the courage to care – and the resolve to act. Only by meeting these challenges can we match the resolve of the survivors and truly honour the memory of those who died in Rwanda 19 years ago.


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

Allow me now to add a few remarks in support of these key points:

The genocide in Rwanda began suddenly. The scale and speed of the calamity continues to shock us. But, the attitudes and practices that made it possible were developed over years before they escalated into mass killings. Stereotyping in media, discrimination in daily life and harnessing of ethnic hatred combined to create conditions where ordinary human beings became capable of extraordinary inhumanity. What may have appeared at the time as small acts of intolerance spiralled into the tragedy of a nation.

We must remain determined to uphold, protect and defend human rights everywhere, and to ensure that they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone, everywhere. The United Nations in Geneva plays a critical part in this endeavour.

One of the lessons of the tragedy in Rwanda is that we need stronger instruments to prevent and mediate in conflict situations, which too often have proved fertile ground for systemic human rights abuses and genocide. Against this background, Rwanda’s initiative to place conflict prevention at the centre of its Presidency of the Security Council this month is very timely.

As highlighted by the Secretary-General, ensuring justice for crimes committed is essential for reconciliation. The ICTR, with the critical contribution of the High Commissioner, has played an indispensable role in advancing jurisprudence on rape as genocide and on hate propaganda.

Today, we pay tribute to the fortitude and dignity of the Rwandan people. The United Nations is committed to working with Rwanda in the continued efforts to consolidate the progress made towards a just, peaceful and inclusive society, rooted in respect for human rights.

Above all, we need to sensitize coming generations. The United Nations Office at Geneva, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Rwanda, maintains an active outreach programme to local schools to raise awareness of the genocide and the role each one of us has to play in prevention, wherever we live and whatever our circumstances may be.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Today, we lit candles to honour the victims of the genocide. We showed that their memory shines bright and will not fade with time. But, remembrance and reflection without action will remain an empty promise. We owe it to the victims of the genocide in Rwanda to back our words with action – to confront bigotry and racism and to fight discrimination and abuse of human rights so we may prevent the inhumanity of genocide in future. It is the only true way to honour them.

Thank you for your attention.