The Rwandan community in New Zealand, on April 11, alongside friends of Rwanda, gathered in Auckland City to mark the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. ALSO READ: Diaspora youth preserve genocide memory and challenge misinformation The event brought together members of the Rwandan community, representatives of the New Zealand government, members of the diplomatic corps, human rights officials, and friends of Rwanda. The commemoration began with a candle-lighting ceremony led by Rwandan youth, joined by guests and community members as a symbol of remembrance and hope. This was followed by a one-minute silence observed in honour of more than one million victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Rehema Uwamahoro, President of the Rwandan Community in New Zealand, reiterated the importance of remembering the past while standing united against genocide denial and divisionism. She called for unity, resilience, and collective responsibility in building a future free from hatred, while paying tribute to the victims. She also urged continued action to defend truth and humanity. Innocent Muhizi, High Commissioner of Rwanda to New Zealand, provided historical context on how the genocide was planned and executed under the government of former President Juvénal Habyarimana. He warned against the continued spread of genocide ideology and hate speech. ALSO READ: How youth can lead fight against genocide ideology on social media Lady Clare de Lore, Honorary Consul General of Rwanda in New Zealand, thanked participants for attending the commemoration, emphasising that while the world often says “Never Again”, similar atrocities continue to occur globally, and called for sustained vigilance and collective responsibility. The programme featured a poem of remembrance presented by a young member of the Rwandan community, as well as a video presentation highlighting Rwanda’s journey from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to recovery and development.
