Secretary-General, in Twentieth Genocide Commemoration Message, Hails Rwanda

People’s Capacity for Reconciliation after ‘Monumental Tragedy’

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the twentieth commemoration of the Rwanda genocide, to be observed on 7 April:

This year marks 20 years since the genocide in Rwanda.  Around the world people are coming together to “Remember, Unite, Renew”.

We will always remember the more than 800,000 innocent people so brutally murdered as we pay tribute to the bravery and resilience of the survivors.  We draw inspiration from the ability of the Rwandan people to unite and show that reconciliation is possible even after a monumental tragedy.  And we pay tribute to their determination to renew their country and pave the way to a secure and prosperous future.

I am honoured to be invited to take part in the commemoration and will be in Rwanda to mark this solemn moment with the people of the country.  I will encourage the people and Government of Rwanda to continue promoting the inclusive spirit needed for healing and reconciliation, and to deepen respect for human rights.  This will set the country firmly on course for a peaceful future and benefit the wider Great Lakes region, which continues to cope with the impact of the genocide.

Together, let us commit to remember, unite and renew for the people of Rwanda and for our actions to prevent genocide around the world.

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For information media • not an official record