'Learn the lessons of Rwanda,' UN chief said, calling for a future of tolerance, human rights for all

7 April 2017 – Marking the twenty-third anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, during which Hutu and others who opposed the genocide were also killed, United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres today said the only way to honour the memory of the victims is to ensure such events never happen again.

The 1994 genocide in the East African country saw the systematic murder of more than 800,000 people. The vast majority were Tusi, but moderate Hutu, Twa and other groups also suffered during the 100 days of violence.

In his message to commemorate the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda, Mr. Guterres said: &#8220Preventing genocide and other monstrous crimes is a shared responsibility and a core duty of the United Nations. The world must always be alert to the warning signs of genocide, and act quickly and early against the threat.&#8221

&#8220History is filled with tragic chapters of hatred, inaction and indifference &#8211 a cycle that has led to violence, incarceration and death camps,&#8221 he added.

However, he warned that &#8220the poison of intolerance&#8221 still existed around the world. &#8220Even today, minorities and other groups suffer attacks and exploitation based on who they are.&#8221

The Secretary-General noted that survivors of the genocide continue to face struggles, but praised their resilience and capacity for reconciliation.

He also called on society to &#8220learn the lessons of Rwanda and work together to build a future of dignity, tolerance and human rights for all.&#8221

A &#8220candle lighting ceremony and a minute of silence will be observed at UN Headquarters in New York today to mark the Day of Reflection. The annual memorial ceremony will be moderated Maher Nasser, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications and feature a poetry performance by Malaika Uwamahoro, Artist and Rwandan student at Fordham University, as well as remarks by Carl Wilkens, Co-Founder and Director of World Outside My Shoes, Linda Melvern, journalist and author, and Valentine Rugwabiza, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations.