On April 7, 1994, the genocide began in Rwanda and was perpetrated against members of the Tutsi minority by the Hutu extremist-led government. Within just over 100 days, more than a million Tutsi were systematically massacred.
Tell Your Story
We welcome individuals who experienced, witnessed, and were impacted by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to share their testimony. You can also donate items related to the genocide, including lost relatives’ photos.
Commemoration Events
April 7 marks the beginning of solemn commemoration. In 100 days, remembrance events occur in different areas throughout the country, commemorating over a million people killed, lives lost during the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994.
Kwibuka
Kwibuka means “to remember” and describes the annual commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. “Kwibuka, Twiyubaka”, or “Remember, Unite, Renew”, is a theme that started on the 20th Commemoration event, April 2014, and has been a reminder that as we, Rwandans, commemorate, we should also continue seeking unity, fighting against the genocide ideology, and rebuilding our community and country.
Walk To Remember
“Walk to Remember” was conceived in 2009, leading to the the15th commemoration by the members of Peace and Love Proclaimers (PLP), an organization comprised of high school students. Walk to remember became an annual event to mourn in remembrance of genocide victims killed during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi after walking long distances towards their deaths’ sites, including those killed along the way. The purpose of walk to remember is to empower the youth of Rwanda and around the world to take a stand against genocide and educate them by using the walk as a platform and knowledge as means for prevention.
Night Vigil
In the night vigil, mourners, genocide survivors come together to pay tribute to the Genocide victims. During this time, a bonfire and candle lights are lit, names of the Genocide victims are read in their remembrance, and hope messages are shared. These are activities that contribute to the commitment of keeping alive the memories of over a million lives lost in 1994.
International Day of Reflection On The 1994 Genocide Against The Tutsi In Rwanda
April 7 marks the start of the 1994 genocide. Every year, on or around that date, the United Nations organizes commemorative events at its Headquarters and UN offices worldwide. Click here to read more.
International Day of Genocide Commemoration And Prevention
December 9 of every year marks the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime, as well as the anniversary of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the “Genocide Convention”), the first human rights treaty adopted by the General Assembly. The Convention signifies the international community’s commitment to “never again” and provides the first international legal definition of “genocide,” widely adopted at national and international levels. It also establishes a duty for State Parties of the UN to prevent and punish the crime of genocide. Click here to learn more.
