Never Again: Reflecting on 30 Years Since Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

“What happened in my country should never happen in any country in the world,” with these words Jacqueline Mukangira, High Commissioner of Rwanda in India, led the commemorations for the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

The day-long event, co-organized by United Nations Information Centre and Rwanda High Commission at India International Centre, paid tribute to the tragic period in history that saw systematic killings of more than one million Tutsi people in Rwanda.

The evening saw an official commemoration attended by Mr. Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary from Ministry of External Affairs, UN officials, and foreign diplomats, who participated in a candlelight vigil.

The psychological scars from witnessing the genocide in 1994 are still fresh in the minds of the survivors, the High Commissioner told the gathering, as she shared the painful memories of losing her father, four siblings, and other members of her family in the mass killings. 

“No one came from outside to carry out the genocide. Our people were killed by their neighbours. Husbands killed their wives, parents killed their children”.

The Irish Ambassador Kevin Kelly said that the "world stood idly by" as the genocide unfolded, calling hate speech "the seedbed of genocide."

UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp after reading UN Secretary-General’s message urged all to pledge to stand together in solidarity, not just in remembrance of the past, but in our joint determination to create a future free from hatred and violence.

Earlier in the day, more than 200 students from 26 schools across the city gathered to interact with Ms. Mukangira to reflect upon the genocide. 

Easels were lined up to showcase artwork created by school students aimed at honouring the memory of the victims. Ms. Mukangira appreciated the students' creativity, moving from painting to painting to admire their artwork and discuss the ideas behind their pieces.

DAV Public School, Gurugram students staged a play showcasing Rwanda's present and its genocide horrors. Ms. Mukangira praised their portrayal of Tutsis massacred in churches, highlighting the desecration of sacred spaces during the genocide.

A student choir from Bal Bharti Public School, Noida performed a rendition of Mwakire Indabo, a Kinyarwanda song by Musinga Joe, to pay tribute to the lives lost. 

Delhi University's Associate Professor Subarno Chatterjee while speaking to students stressed on the importance of remembering the tragic events of 1994. He said, "We need precise memories to understand our past and present. Only by remembering can we hope to create better futures."

"In the end, we're all the same. Once we die, you can't differentiate between any of us, no matter who we are. So why do we discriminate against each other when we're alive?" asked Dishita Gupta from Ridge Valley School.

Calling the commemoration an “opportune moment to call friends of Rwanda to fight negative ideology,” the High Commissioner said, “Let us say no to hate speech, no to discrimination. Let us find the courage together to spread peace”.

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