Rwandan youth have committed to use their various talents and voices in the fight against Genocide ideology and denial, which continues to threaten national cohesion. This commitment was made on Thursday, June 9 at the 11th National Youth Conference on commemoration policy and practices of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi organized by Never Again Rwanda. The conference brought together over 150 youth from diverse backgrounds to share their stories and experiences within peers, both in person and virtually. The space aimed to facilitate healthy engagements and conversations on the role of youth during the commemoration period. It was themed, “Remember Unite and Renew; My story, your story, shaping our future” and included a panel of discussion and broadcast of a short documentary featuring testimonies from young people on how they were affected by the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. It drew a common understanding of shared goal of combating genocide ideology and all form of denial and hate speech, to shape a unified society. “I decided to make my contribution by forming a youthful club that focuses on children who were parented by the perpetrators of the genocide, to talk about our understanding of the genocide, dismantle the misconceptions and learn together the true facts of how the genocide happened,” said Valentine Uwimpuhwe. Uwimpuhwe is a peace agent from NAR who engages in Mental healing and psychological support in youth. “We, the youth, should inform ourselves enough and then go ahead to participate in the fight against Genocide denial,” she continued, “we can use our clubs, social medias or any other tool at our disposal.” Jean-Marie Vianney Niyonkuru, another youth also agreed with her. “I use my singing talent to share the message of peace, reconciliation and unity,” he said. “We have different talents amongst us. If everyone takes it upon themselves to be at the forefront of the fight against genocide ideology then we will surely succeed,” he added. Dr. Joseph Nkurunziza Ryarasa, Executive Director of NAR, also commended young people’s contributions. “With all the energy, passion, and charisma of young people like you, so much can be done,” he said. “Rwandan youth are the caretakers of this country’s tomorrow. It is now that we have to empower them, teach them and give them space to contribute to the development of the nation,” he stated. In attendance was also Dr Assumpta Muhayisa, Executive Director of Genocide prevention and commemoration department at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, and other officials from the government, civil society organizations and youth bodies. “28 years ago, people who were your age back then committed the genocide against Tutsi and others of the same age ended it. It is your turn now to choose how you spend your youth. You will either choose to participate in the building or watch as the country goes back to destruction,” Muhayisa noted. “You may not throw insults as most deniers do. But make sure you respond to them boldly and courageously, armed with truth and facts of what happened. In the end, the truth shall prevail,” she said. The discussions ended by brainstorming ways to increase the awareness among Rwandan youth about the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, preserving the recollection of the genocide tragedy and discussing trans-generational trauma. Special attention was given to the rise of social media as a weapon often used by genocide deniers. The 11th National Youth Conference on commemoration policy and practices of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi organized by Never Again Rwanda.
