A very important event took place in New York yesterday, as part of the commemorations of the 20th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Held as part of “Kwibuka20” (Rememberance20) it brought together world figures in the first ever Global Conversations to reflect on the Genocide and the world’s failures in arresting mass atrocities. ‘Genocide: A Preventable Crime’ was a very poignant theme that sought to mobilise the world’s attention, that, had it acted (there were many ignored warning signs), the Genocide against the Tutsi would have been prevented. As Gen. Roméo Dallaire revealed, world powers refused to take action to prevent the killings because there were “no strategic interests” in stopping the Genocide. But the Rwanda tragedy was just a reference in yesterday’s event, the real focus was on how to prevent a repeat of similar atrocities anywhere, and compel the world to act, regardless of political (or lack of) interests; to put political considerations in the bottom drawer when it comes to preventing mass crimes. As one participant pointed out, in 1994, the world failed in its duties to protect, and continuing to chant “Never Again” and taking no action is another stark failure. It is Rwanda’s responsibility to open its wounds to the outside world, to display the extent of the suffering Rwandans went through, to serve as a lesson. Rwanda paid a sacrificial price, so what better way to appease its dead than taking the lead in arousing public opinion to make “Never Again” a reality.
