Conservation of memorials key to prevention of genocide

Keeping the memory alive is crucial for prevention of genocide. Kudos to the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) for compiling the document on long-term preservation of Genocide memorials in the country.

Friday, August 11, 2017
Bisesero Genocide memorial in Karongi District is one of the four memorial centres that are set to be listed as UNESCO world heritage sites. File.

Editor,RE: "New conservation plan for Genocide memorials in line for UNESCO recognition” (The New Times, August 10).

Keeping the memory alive is crucial for prevention of genocide. Kudos to the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) for compiling the document on long-term preservation of Genocide memorials in the country.Many people have heard about the Genocide against the Tutsi in books, thus they do not fully appreciate its wickedness. There are still many people who confuse it with civil war.This may lead some people into acts of trivialising it, willingly or otherwise, because they think it was just another spate of killing.Proper maintenance of the memorials of the Genocide against the Tutsi will help people (those who visit the sites) understand what genocide is.Keeping these memorials in good shape will also serve as facts to belie those who deny the Genocide against the Tutsi.Once people have understood the evilness of the Genocide, hopefully most of them will resolve to fight against recurrence of such atrocities anywhere in the world.Bemba