United against hate: Remembering the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

“Out of the depths of despair can come great hope”

As many as one million people were systematically killed in less than three months in Rwanda in 1994 in one of the darkest chapters of human history — a genocide that followed years of hate speech and misinformation that fanned the flames of ethnic tensions. 

“We remember,” Rwanda’s High Commissioner to India Jacqueline Mukangira told an audience of diplomats, government officials and civil society at a commemorative event in New Delhi on the 31st anniversary of the start of the genocide.

The High Commissioner, herself a genocide survivor, urged the international community to “be courageous enough and stand for truth, fight injustice, and be fair in conflict resolutions”. 
 

“We understand how important it is to reconcile and continue the journey of healing and that is what Rwanda has shown to humanity,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi said, lauding Rwanda’s efforts towards “reconciliation, unity and steadfast commitment to peace” in the wake of tragedy. 

“We stand united against all forms of hatred,” UN India Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp said, reiterating the call of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ to work together to build a world of justice and dignity for all.   

Earlier in the day, more than 600 students from schools across the National Capital Region gathered at Bharat Mandapam to reflect upon the genocide and to champion peace through art. 
 

Across many colourful canvases filled with unique art styles and imaginative content and techniques from the talented young artists, a single message rang clear: “No more hate”.

Aside from the paintings, students also heard from a school choir which sang a traditional Rwandan song reflecting on tragedy and loss. 

The students also listened to the Secretary-General’s message marking the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

“These are days of division,” he said. “The narrative of ‘us’ versus ‘them’ is ascendant, polarizing societies. Digital technologies are being weaponized to further inflame hate, stoke division, and spread lies. We must learn from the terrible history of the genocide in Rwanda, and act to stem the tide of hate speech, stop disunity and discontent mutating into violence, uphold human rights, and ensure accountability.” Click here to read his message in full.