Rwanda's Ambassador to the United States Mathilde Mukantabana has described a new monument erected in honour of victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi as a lasting symbol of remembrance, truth, and humanity.

The memorial unveiled at California State University, Sacramento on Saturday May 16, is intended to educate future generations about the consequences of hatred and division.

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"This honours the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi and stands as a reminder that remembrance must remain active, truthful, and alive. It is more than a stone,” Mukantabana said.

"This place will continue to educate, inspire reflection, and remind future generations of the responsibility we all share to protect truth, humanity, and promote peace.”

Mukantabana further noted that the memorial represents a declaration against silence and denial.

"This memorial is more than stone. It is a declaration. It says: we saw, we acknowledge, and we will not look away. It is a gift to future generations of students who will walk past it, pause, and ask, ‘What happened?’ And in asking that question, they will begin the important work of understanding,” she added.

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She expressed gratitude to the university for erecting a permanent genocide memorial on its campus, saying it would continue to inspire young people to fight against genocide and genocide denial.

Luke Wood, president of California State University, Sacramento, said the memorial was unveiled in honour of both the lives lost and survivors of the Genocide.

"The Genocide was an unimaginable tragedy that claimed more than one million lives in the course of 100 days. We are gathered here today to honour those who lost their lives, the families and survivors who endured the tragedy, and the people around the world who were affected by the brutality of this genocide,” Wood said.

Phodidas Ndamyumugabe, a survivor, described the memorial as a symbol carrying deep meaning and significance.

"This Genocide memorial is not simply a monument of stone. It is a powerful reminder of our shared human responsibility to preserve truth, defend human dignity, and protect future generations from the dangers of hatred and division,” he said.

Ndamyumugabe added that the memorial also represents hope and reconciliation.