Remembering the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda through Education and Dialogue

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, along with the Rwanda National Commission for UNESCO, Aegis Trust, and other organizations, held a discussion on "Remembering the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda through Education and Dialogue." The event aimed to honor the victims, promote unity, and outline strategies for a peaceful future. The dialogue focused to honor the victims, foster harmony, and lay forth plans for a peaceful future, highlighting initiatives like the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Never Again Rwanda’s intergenerational dialogue program. The event underscored the importance of education and communication in promoting comprehension, empathy, and reconciliation

S.G Albert Mutesa during his remarks

Albert Mutesa, the Secretary General of the Rwanda National Commission for UNESCO, emphasized the importance of dialogue and education in addressing the historical context of the génocide. He praised UNESCO’s cooperation in designating four memorials as World Heritage Sites and emphasized the need for future generations to understand the genocide’s causes.

The Executive Director of Memory and Genocide Prevention, Veneranda Ingabire, emphasized the value of genocide memorials for teaching, healing, and remembering. She asked UNESCO to address human rights challenges and create inclusive society through its programs, which should encourage critical thinking and knowledge. Topics like commemorating, teaching, and communicating about the genocide against the Tutsi were discussed.

Parfait Busabizwa, MoYA Permanent Secretary

Parfait Busabizwa, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Arts, bring attention to the importance of commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. He emphasizes the role of dialogue in pursuing justice and challenging impunity. Busabizwa also highlight the role of education in educating the younger generation about the Genocide and instilling a responsibility to contribute to a better nation. He calls for continued efforts to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

Group photo

The event highlighted the significance of education in fostering empathy, understanding historical context, and reconciliation. It highlighted the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Never Again Rwanda’s intergenerational discussion program. UNESCO’s assistance in resolving human rights issues and recognizing genocide memorials as World Heritage Sites was emphasized. The event emphasized the need for a peaceful future.

KOUKOU Mahamat Zene
Internee at CNRU