New Delhi: Marking the International Day of Reflection on April 7, 2025, the Rwanda High Commission in New Delhi in collaboration with the UN, commemorated the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The theme this year was "Remember, Unite, Renew".
The programme started with the lighting of scores of lamps in remembrance of those who died. The commemorations also included sharing memories of those who were lost and urging people to stand in solidarity with survivors.
The event served as a reminder of the genocide and a call to prevent such atrocities from happening again. ‘Kwibuka’ in Rwandan means ‘remembering’ wss used to mark the anniversary of the genocide.
The High Commissioner of Rwanda in India, Jacqueline Mukangira, led the commemorations, emphasizing the importance of unity and reconciliation. Speaking on this occasion High Commissioner Jacqueline Mukangira said, ‘For Rwanda and the world, this is a date when we reflect on the mother of atrocities, the Genocide in which the murderers exterminated in only 100 days a huge number of over 1 million lives, in the most brutal manner’. Mukanagira narrated her personal tragedy of loosing her father and family in the Tutsi genocide that killed 1 million. She was pregnant & escaped assassination attempts.
Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs Dammu Ravi was the Chief Guest. He said, ‘The 1994 genocide, which claimed the lives of more than 1 million Tutsi, is a stark reminder of humanity’s darkest moments. He hailed Rwanda for its efforts towards ‘reconciliation, unity & steadfast commitment to peace’
In his address to the audience Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India read out the message by the Secretary General of the UN. He also blamed the international community for having failed to stop the Genocide against Tutsi.
The event was attended by Heads of Diplomatic Missions & Int’l Organizations, Govt Officials, Media, Academia and Think Tanks.
There was a drama performance depicting the events of the genocide and a students of Bal Bharti School Noida performed the song NDEMYE by Joseph Ndayishimiye. A melancholic melody recounting the horrors of the Genocide but also the resilience of a survivor and of Rwanda.
An exhibition attended by 600+ students showcased powerful art capturing the 1994 Genocide, honoring Rwanda’s resilience and the values of love, unity, and reconciliation.
