Switzerland stood in solidarity with Rwanda as the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi began on April 7. A solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial Stele in Geneva's Place des Nations brought together members of the Rwandan community, Swiss authorities, United Nations representatives, and friends of Rwanda, all united in remembrance of the victims of the genocide. Organized by the Rwandan Embassy and the Permanent Mission to the UN, in partnership with Ibuka Mémoire et Justice Section Suisse, the event marked the start of a series of activities under the theme Remember – Unite – Renew, reaffirming the global commitment to ensuring such a tragedy is never forgotten. ALSO READ: Kwibuka 31 is a time for unity, reflection and responsibility In his remarks on behalf of the Embassy of Rwanda, the First Counsellor, Edmond Tubanambazi, commended those present for standing with Rwanda and emphasized that the international community’s shared responsibility is not only to remember but also to actively prevent genocide. “The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi remains a painful reminder of the international community's failure, a failure that persists today through the lack of decisive action in regions where the risk of genocide is clear,” he noted. He condemned the ongoing spread of genocidal ideology and hatred, calling for the prosecution of genocide fugitives still at large. Each day without justice is a day that prolongs the denial of justice, he said. The president of Ibuka in Switzerland, César Murangira, highlighted the need to link remembrance with current global issues, drawing attention to the striking parallels between the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the ongoing violence against Congolese Tutsi communities in eastern DR Congo. Murangira urged leaders to acknowledge and address the risks posed by unchecked hate and incitement, expressing his concern over the international community’s silence in the face of growing threats. We must confront these dangers before history repeats itself, he said. ALSO READ: Kagame urges Rwandans to fight for their dignified lives Representing the City of Geneva, Mayor Christina Kitsos honoured the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and acknowledged the moral failure of the international community during that time. Denial, forgetfulness, and silence are the enemies of peace; that is why we have to remember through culture, education, and human connections,” she said. She underscored the importance of ensuring that such atrocities are never forgotten, emphasizing the need to keep the memory of the victims alive in meaningful ways. Rolando Gómez, speaking on behalf of the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, reaffirmed the UN’s ongoing commitment to genocide prevention and remembrance, pointing out that the genocide began long before the killings, rooted in hate speech and incitement. He emphasized the international community's duty to fight against racism, xenophobia, and all forms of discrimination. “I want to commend Rwanda for its remarkable journey of resilience, reconciliation, and nation-building for their effort to heal and rebuild itself even after the genocide,” he noted. ALSO READ: Inside Rwanda’s reconciliation journey, 31 years after the Genocide As Kwibuka 31 activities continue in Switzerland, the focus remains on honouring the victims and supporting survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Upcoming events include a commemorative evening in Lausanne on April 12. On April 14, a high-level ceremony will be held at the United Nations Office in Geneva, co-organized by the Rwandan Embassy and the UN. The same day, a student conference at the Palais des Nations will engage young people in discussions on genocide prevention, remembrance, peace, and the responsibility to protect.
