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

The International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda is observed globally with the intention of remembering those who tragically lost their lives during the horrific events that took place. Moreover, its purpose is to serve as a stark reminder to continuously strive towards peace, harmony, and the prevention of such heinous acts in the future. This is a significant observance in the world calendar and holds particular weight for United Nations (UN) members, committed as they are to promoting human rights and upholding international law.

The roots of the Observance lie in the 1994 genocide in which about one million Tutsi, and also moderate Hutu and Twa, were systematically murdered in Rwanda over a span of approximately 100 days. For the United Kingdom, a United Nations member, the commemoration is more than just remembering the atrocities. The observance embodies the ethos of “Never Again” and serves as a call to action against hatred, prejudice, and genocide. The UN enacted the Observance in 2003, and the United Kingdom, aligning with its fundamental principles, recognises this momentous global event.

In the United Kingdom, the observance is marked through educational programmes conducted by human rights organisations and academic institutions. These help to bring awareness to the genocide and promote initiatives that encourage peace and harmony. As an active participant in UN affairs, the UK supports programs internationally to ensure that such acts are prevented. In compliance with the global observance, the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda takes place annually on the 7th of April in the United Kingdom.