Every year on 7 April, UNESCO and international community commemorate International Day of Reflection on 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda. This day serves as a solemn reminder of one of most tragic events in recent history. It aims to promote education on causes, dynamics, and consequences of genocide, as well as strengthen resilience against discrimination.
Establishment and Designation
UNGA Resolution A/RES/58/234 (3 December 2003):
- UNGA officially designated 7 April as International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda.
- Resolution encourages all Member States, UN system organizations, civil society organizations, and other relevant entities to observe this day with special commemorative activities.
UNGA Draft Resolution A/72/L.31 (26 January 2018):
- Reaffirmed 7 April as International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
- Acknowledged that, alongside the massacre of Tutsi, moderate Hutu and other dissenters were also targeted and killed.
Background of 1994 Genocide
Beginning of Genocide: 7 April 1994 marks onset of the genocide perpetrated by the extremist Hutu-led government.
Scale of the Tragedy:
- Over a period of approximately 100 days, up to 1 million Tutsi were systematically murdered.
- In addition, moderate Hutu and others who opposed the genocide were also killed.
Commemorative Efforts and UNESCO’s Role:
UNESCO is committed to promoting genocide education, aiming to sensitize learners about the causes and consequences of such atrocities.In 2023, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee included four genocide memorial sites in Rwanda- Nyamata, Murambi, Bisesero, and Gisozi (where the Kigali Genocide Memorial is located) in list of World Heritage Sites, ensuring that these pivotal locations serve as enduring symbols for remembrance and education.