UN commemorates 30th anniversary of Rwanda genocide in Nairobi event

The United Nations Office at Nairobi, in collaboration with the Rwanda High Commission in Kenya on Tuesday, led more than 1,000 people from UN agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, students, Kenyans, Friends of Rwanda, and the Rwanda community in Kenya to mark the 30th anniversary of the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Rwandans are marking 30 years since a genocide orchestrated by armed Hutu tore apart their country, as neighbours turned on each other in one of the bloodiest massacres of the 20th century.

This year's commemoration theme is "Remember, Unite, Renew".

Rwandan High Commissioner to Kenya, Martin Ngoga. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

Key speakers included Martin Ngoga, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Kenya, Zainab Hawa Bangura, the Director-General, UN Office at Nairobi (UNON), and Korir Sing'Oei, Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

The Rwanda High Commissioner in Kenya highlighted the need to avoid ambiguity in naming the crime of genocide.

"The uniqueness of the crime of genocide is in the intent to uproot a group in part or whole. It is in the inability of those targeted based on their belonging to a particular group to escape death since the crime they stand accused of is that of being who they are. The crime of being is inescapable," he said.

"As the genocide against the Tutsi was wreaking havoc, the international community was haggling over what to name what was happening. Nothing was done as had been envisioned through the establishment of the instrument of the Convention 46 years earlier," he added.

Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON). (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

Dr SingOei emphasised the profound significance of commemorating the genocide against the Tutsi. He stated that while the remembrance evokes a deep sense of poignancy, it also serves to reinforce the international community's collective duty to prevent the resurgence of intolerance worldwide.

"We must never forget that the genocide against the Tutsi happened partly because the international community could not master the resolve to act in a preventative fashion to halt an imminent atrocity," he said.

He commended Rwanda's determination to forge ahead with unwavering resolve and how it serves as a distinct mirror of progress.

Dr Korir Sing'Oei, Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

Zainab Hawa Bangura, the Director-General of the UN Office at Nairobi (UNON), urged everyone to stand as one against all forms of hatred and discrimination.

"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 beacon of light and hope amidst this dark chapter in human history," she said.

Over 500 individuals, including dignitaries, activists, academicians, students, and citizens, also came together to honour the memory of the victims and reflect on the tragic events of 1994 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on April 4.

Josiane Umuringa, a genocide survivor. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

President Paul Kagame also addressed dignitaries and world leaders who had gathered in Rwanda's capital, Kigali, to commemorate the genocide that killed around 800,000 people on April 7.

He said the international community "failed all of us", as he marked 30 years since the 1994 genocide.

"Rwanda was completely humbled by the magnitude of our loss," he said. "And the lessons we learned are engraved in blood."