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A laptop shows the words "International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda". Candles are seen in the background.

COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF REFLECTION ON THE 1994 GENOCIDE AGAINST THE TUTSI IN RWANDA

The 28th annual commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda will take place on Thursday, 7 April 2022, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Room XX, Palais des Nations. 

The annual commemoration provides an important occasion to pay tribute individually and collectively to the victims and to the survivors, to recognize the unity and reconciliation process in Rwanda and to recommit to the collective responsibility of genocide prevention and fighting denial. Interpretation in English and French will be provided.

To attend the ceremony in person, please register via the following link: https://indico.un.org/event/37052. Or follow the event virtually on the UN Web TV platform via https://media.un.org/en/webtv. 

Programme

10 am - 11 am

Wreath laying at the Memorial Stele (Place des Nations) by:

  • Ms. Marie Chantal Rwakazina, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva
  • Ms. Alessandra Vellucci, Director, United Nations Information Service, United Nations Office at Geneva
  • Mr. César Murangira, President of the Association of Genocide survivors IBUKA, Memory and Justice (Swiss Section)
  • Mr. Yves Cyaka, President of Rwandan Diaspora in Switzerland


3 pm

Commemoration ceremony, Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room (Room XX), Palais des Nations

  • Introduction by the Master of Ceremonies, Ms. Alessandra Vellucci, Director, United Nations Information Service
  • Lighting of candles
  • Observance of a minute of silence
  • Memorial song by Ms. Ingrid Karega
  • Message of Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, read by Ms. Alessandra Vellucci, Director, United Nations Information Service
  • Remarks by Mr. César Murangira, President of the Association of Genocide survivors IBUKA, Memory and Justice (Swiss Section)
  • Poetry reading by Ms. Daniela Gasana
  • Testimony by Ms. Judence Kayitesi, Survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda
  • Remarks by H.E. Ms. Marie Chantal Rwakazina, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations Office and other international organizations at Geneva


4.30 pm

End of the ceremony

Visit of the exhibition organized by the Permanent Mission of Rwanda outside the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room (Room XX)

Watch at https://media.un.org/en/webtv