RWANDA TRAGEDY MUST NEVER BE REPEATED, THOSE RESPONSIBLE MUST BE PUNISHED, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL IN STATEMENT ON ANNIVERSARY OF GENOCIDE
Press Release
SG/SM/5950
RWANDA TRAGEDY MUST NEVER BE REPEATED, THOSE RESPONSIBLE MUST BE PUNISHED, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL IN STATEMENT ON ANNIVERSARY OF GENOCIDE
19960404 The following is the text of the statement, translated from French, by Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali on the occasion of the second anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda:I share today the grief of the Government and people of Rwanda as they commemorate the second anniversary of the genocide which shook the very foundations of the nation.
On behalf of the United Nations system, I wish to reiterate my profound compassion and my sincere condolences to all the survivors of that tragic nightmare, which left a deep mark on the conscience of mankind. The world must not allow such a tragedy to be repeated. Those responsible for committing such crimes should never go unpunished.
Since the United Nations was established half a century ago, there has been no world war. Nevertheless, the ceremony on the occasion of this second anniversary affords us a sad reminder that mankind continues to witness violence, injustice and suffering. The time has come to reaffirm our commitment, to rededicate our efforts to the creation of a better world, a world in the image of that envisaged by the Charter of the United Nations, and, to that end, to reaffirm our common faith "in the dignity and worth of the human person".
The deep expression of grief and the demonstration of solidarity towards the people of Rwanda constitute a glimmer of hope for the future. The international community, particularly non-governmental organizations and the specialized agencies of the United Nations, and the Government and people of Rwanda are working side by side in the reconstruction of a society psychologically, morally and physically rent asunder by the tragic events that we recall today.
Reconstruction and reconciliation are a vast and difficult task, but we owe it to ourselves to intensify our efforts to accomplish it. This effort constitutes the most appropriate and the most lasting tribute we can pay to the memory of those who lost their lives in the course of this tragedy. As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I wish to give here an assurance of the continuing support of the Organization for any action undertaken with a view to building a new Rwandan society based on tolerance, harmony and justice. * *** *