The 30th Commemoration of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda
"Kwibuka" means "to remember" in Kinyarwanda, Rwanda’s national language. It describes the annual commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. By remembering, we honour the memory of more than one million Rwandans who were murdered in only one hundred days of the genocide. It was one of human history’s darkest times. Thirty years later we, Rwandans, ask the world to unite to remember the lives that were lost. We ask the world to come together to support the survivors of the genocide, and to ensure that such an atrocity can never happen again anywhere. Kwibuka is also a time to learn about Rwanda’s story of reconciliation and nation building. The national commemoration of the genocide begins on 7 April every year.
4/7/20242 min read
Calgary, Alberta, commemorated the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
In 2024, Rwanda commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, a horrific event that claimed the lives of over a million people in just three months. Kwibuka (to remember) is a crucial time for Rwandans and the global community to come together to honor the victims, remember the survivors, and reflect on the lessons learned from this dark chapter in human history.
Remembering and Promoting Peace Kwibuka 30 is a time for remembrance and a moment to renew our commitment to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again. As we remember, we are reminded of the importance of peace, unity, and collaboration within our country and across the world. We must always remember that where hatred is allowed to flourish, the consequences are devastating. Therefore, it is essential to come together to fight against any form of division and conflict.
Preserving History and the Culture of Remembrance Remembering is not just about the past; it's about preserving history so that future generations can learn the truth about what happened and understand the importance of fighting against genocide ideology. This is why Kwibuka 30 will include discussions, debates, and the publication of educational materials aimed at promoting peace, unity, and reconciliation. By doing so, we ensure that the lessons of the past are not forgotten and that the culture of remembrance remains strong.
Global Unity and Support The 30th anniversary of Kwibuka will also be a significant moment for uniting the global Rwandan community, both at home and in the diaspora. We call on people worldwide to support efforts to promote unity and reconciliation and to continue raising awareness about the importance of remembering the genocide. By doing so, we encourage the global community to stand against hatred and division wherever it may arise.
The 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi is a solemn occasion to honor the dignity and memory of those who lost their lives. It is also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated. Through remembrance, we remind the world of the values of unity, peace, and justice. Let us remember, reflect, and work together to build a future where such tragedies are no longer possible.