7 April marks the start of the 1994 genocide.
On 14 April, the United Nations Office at Geneva will commemorate the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003.
The date marks the beginning of the genocide perpetrated against members of the Tutsi minority by the Hutu extremist-led government. Within just over 100 days, more than 1 million Tutsi were systematically murdered. Moderate Hutu and others who opposed the massacres were also killed during this period.
PROGRAMME
COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF REFLECTION ON THE 1994 GENOCIDE AGAINST THE TUTSI IN RWANDA
Tuesday, 7 April 2026, 16:00 – 17:30
Assembly Hall, Palais des Nations
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❖Introduction by the Master of Ceremonies
❖ Lighting of candles
❖ Observance of a minute of silence
❖ Artists: remembrance song
❖ Message of the Secretary-General of the United Nations
❖ Remarks by Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva
❖ Artists: remembrance song
❖ Remarks by the President of Ibuka, Memory and Justice (Swiss section)
❖ Message of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
❖ Testimony by a Survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda
❖ Artists: remembrance song
❖ Remarks by the Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations at Geneva
❖ End of the Ceremony
❖ 17:30 – 19:30: Reception