International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda seeks to remember the lives that were lost in the genocide. In 1994, the deaths of the Presidents of Burundi and Rwanda sparked a several month-long retaliatory attack. More than 800,000 lives were lost over this period. Most of the victims were the Tutsi, an ethnic group who made up close to 14% of the country. This day remembers the victims and pledges to prevent future genocides.

International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda was established in 2003 by the UN General Assembly. It is observed annually on April 7th.

Facts about this day

• More than one million people were systematically killed in less than three months. The Tutsi people made up the majority of deaths, but the Hutu, the Twa, and others who opposed the genocide were also targeted.
• On this day, we honor those who were murdered, we reflect on the suffering and we recognize the resilience of those who have survived. As we join in solidarity with people of Rwanda, we must take a hard look at today's world and ensure that we heed the lessons of 27 years ago - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, 2021
• Between 2013 and 2018, about $411 million was budgeted by the UN to assist Rwanda in its development. This came after the UN formed a new strategy in 2008 called Delivering as One, or One UN. This strategy brought 8 countries (Rwanda, Albania, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uruguay, and Vietnam) together. Their goal is to increase the UN system's impact through more coherent programs, reduced transaction costs for governments, and lower overhead costs for the UN system.

In the News and Trending in the US for International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

Top things to do in the US for this observance

• Watch UNESCO's panel discussion From Hate Speech to Genocide: lessons from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
• Explore several photo exhibits curated by survivors.
• Learn more about the background information on the Justice and Reconciliation Process in Rwanda.