Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Canada, Prosper Higiro, emphasized that preventing genocide is a shared responsibility of both individuals and collectives.

He was speaking earlier on April 7 during the launch event of the 29th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Canada, organized by the High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda. The event was held at Infinity Convention Centre in the capital of Canada, Ottawa.

Higiro further added that building a global partnership against genocide requires the participation of not only governments but also schools, media, civil society, and religious groups, highlighting it is the duty of humanity as a whole to take action against this heinous crime.

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More than a million people died in the Genocide against the Tutsi that lasted 100 days from April to July in 1994.

Higiro reminded the participants that the commemoration of the Genocide is a global framework to honour the victims and comfort the survivors.

He further noted that as Rwanda and friends of Rwanda mark the 29th commemoration, there has been a concerning increase in violence targeting the Congolese Tutsi, as well as the Kinyarwanda-speaking population in the Eastern part of DR Congo.

Higiro explained that despite the Genocide against the Tutsi being stopped in 1994, many fugitives from the former government of Rwanda, army, militias, and other groups fled to the DRC, where they continued to spread Genocide ideology and hatred against the Tutsi.

He commended continued support from various countries in ensuring that justice is served to Genocide perpetrators.

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Higiro further emphasized the importance of empathy and accuracy in countering genocide denial ideologies and hate speech that often arise in media discussions surrounding the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. He noted that these dangerous narratives can be harmful and lead to violence, underscoring the need for responsible reporting.

Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude to the associations and communities founded by Genocide survivors, acknowledging their successful efforts to build memorials that serve as a testament to the victims and a symbol of hope for the future.

He also delivered a message of hope, highlighting the progress that Rwanda has made in rebuilding and creating a society of hope, prosperity, and equal opportunity for all its people. He emphasized the importance of partnerships and cooperation with partner states in achieving this vision for the future.

Higiro extended his heartfelt condolences to the survivors who continue to endure the painful memories of the Genocide and honoured those who fought to liberate the country, including the brave young Rwandan men and women who sacrificed their lives in the fight to stop the Genocide in 1994.

The event was also attended by Member of Parliament Greg Fergus, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister of the Government of Canada, Vice Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, Beth Richardson Director of Eastern and Southern Africa Division at Global Affairs Canada, Heads of Diplomatic Missions and members of the Diplomatic Corps in Canada as well as members of the Canadian Government and Canadian Armed Forces and Associations of Genocide against the Tutsi survivors (Humura Association PAGE Rwanda).