St. Kitts and Nevis Participates in United Nations Commemoration of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide Centennial.

The somber 100-day period of Kwibuka commenced on April 7, 2025, marking a period of mourning and remembrance for the victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi. This annual commemoration serves as a poignant reminder of the horrific events that unfolded over a century ago, when over a million Rwandans were systematically murdered. The United Nations, recognizing the significance of this period, hosted a gathering in the General Assembly Hall, attended by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, diplomats, members of the Rwandan diaspora, and survivors of the genocide. The event underscored the international community’s commitment to never forgetting the atrocities committed and to actively working towards preventing similar tragedies in the future.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a powerful address, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the genocide. He stated unequivocally that the violence was not a spontaneous eruption, but rather a meticulously planned campaign fueled by hate speech and the deliberate dehumanization of the Tutsi population. Guterres highlighted the collective failure of the international community to intervene effectively, despite clear warnings and evidence of impending catastrophe. His words served as a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction and the moral imperative to respond decisively to signs of impending genocide.

The President of the General Assembly, a former Prime Minister of Cameroon, echoed Guterres’ sentiments, lamenting the world’s inaction as the genocide unfolded. He recalled the cries for help that went unanswered while governments engaged in debates, ultimately failing to prevent the mass slaughter. His remarks posed critical questions about the lessons learned from the Rwandan Genocide and whether adequate measures have been taken to prevent similar atrocities from happening elsewhere. The president’s words underscored the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive engagement in addressing potential genocidal situations.

H.E. Dr. Mutryce Williams, representing the Caribbean Federation, expressed solidarity with Rwanda, acknowledging the shared experience of historical atrocities and the importance of collective action to prevent their recurrence. Drawing parallels with the Caribbean’s own history, Dr. Williams emphasized the need to combat hate, tribalism, discrimination, and supremacy in all forms. She called for reconciliation, renewal, and collective solidarity as essential ingredients for building a better future, free from the burdens of past injustices.

The Rwandan government’s official narrative of the genocide provides a detailed account of the events leading up to and during the tragic period. It highlights the systematic nature of the killings, orchestrated by the ruling National Revolutionary Movement for Development (MRND) regime under President Juvénal Habyarimana. The narrative underscores the role of decades-old, ethnicity-based ideologies of hatred that fueled the genocide. It also emphasizes the international community’s failure to intervene effectively, despite witnessing the unfolding atrocities. The government’s account concludes with the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF)-Inkotanyi’s eventual victory in July 1994, marking the end of the genocide and the beginning of Rwanda’s long journey toward reconstruction and reconciliation.

The Kwibuka commemoration serves as a crucial platform for remembering the victims, honoring their memory, and reflecting on the international community’s responsibility to prevent future genocides. The speeches delivered at the UN event highlighted the importance of acknowledging past failures, learning from them, and taking proactive measures to address the root causes of hatred and violence. The ongoing commitment to remembrance and reconciliation is essential for building a future where such atrocities are never repeated. The stories of survivors, the official narratives, and the international community’s collective reflection on the Rwandan Genocide provide invaluable lessons for preventing future tragedies and promoting a more just and peaceful world. The 100 days of Kwibuka offer a time for deep introspection and a renewed commitment to upholding human rights and dignity for all.