UN City hosts the 29th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was held in Copenhagen

The United Nations Association of Denmark, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to the Nordic Countries and Ibuka Denmark, hosted the Kwibuka 29: International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda - 29th Commemoration. The event took place at the Pacific Ocean Lounge, UN City Building, Copenhagen.

The event's theme was “Remember-Unite-Renew,” calling for unity and a renewed commitment to preventing such atrocities in the future. The event featured a range of activities, including keynote speeches, testimonies, a panel discussion, and cultural performances.

The opening remarks were delivered by keynote speakers Raad Gilyana, Director of Common Services at UN City, and Hon. Kaare Dybvad Bek, Danish Minister for Immigration and Integration who stated that "Only by remembering, reflecting and committing to a better future, can we learn from history and honour the victims of genocide".

The event also featured a video message from Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

The event observed a minute of silence for remembrance of the victims of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994. This was followed by lighting candles, known as "Lighting the flame of Hope." Children also performed messages and songs in memory of the victims.

Testimonies were given by a survivor of the genocide against the Tutsi and author of "A broken life: In search of lost parents and lost happiness" Judence Kayitesi. The event also included a conversation with Mr. Joran Stjerneklar, a Danish award-winning photographer, cameraman, and journalist.

A panel discussion was held on the topic of "Beyond ‘Never Again’ Commitment: The role of the international community and member states in combating alarming genocide denial and hate speech." The panel was moderated by Ernest Sagaga and featured panelists Josine Kanamugire, Survivor/President of Ibuka Sweden and Sergio Bevilacqua, a clinical sociologist, author, and orator.

Cultural performances included a poem by Maria Antonietta Centoducati. The event also featured remarks by the Representative of Ibuka Association Denmark – Association of the Survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Egide-Victor Semukanya who stated that "Although Genocide was stopped by the RPF-Inkotanyi forces, the ideology of genocide did not disappear completely because those who fled to different neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, continue to teach these ideologies. To this day, Kinyarwandaphones in the DRC are being killed and persecuted by those who committed the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in collaboration with like minded Congolese".

In his remarks, the Deputy Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Denmark, HE Amb. Moussa Dourfaye, Ambassador of Niger said "The events of 1994 should serve as a reminder that genocide is a real and present danger, and we must remain vigilant in preventing its occurrence."

The event concluded with closing remarks by Ambassador of Rwanda to the Nordic Countries, Dr. Diane Gashumba who reiterated that it is shameful for a so-called reputable news outlet such as the New York Times to choose such a time of mourning to judge a country that has rebuilt itself from the ground up following the horrific atrocities and loss of 1 million lives during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. And to disparage our President, H.E Paul Kagame who sacrificed his youth to lead the RPA in stopping the senseless killings that the rest of the world turned their backs to and has continued to work tirelessly exemplifying the true meaning of people centred leadership that has unified Rwandans and rebuilt a nation.