As the world marks the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called on the international community to reflect on the tragedy and take action to prevent similar atrocities from happening again. ALSO READ: 29 years later, Rwanda remembers In his message, the Secretary-General paid tribute to the victims, the survivors, and the resilience of Rwandans. He highlighted the failure of the international community to prevent the Genocide and stressed the importance of preventing Genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other serious violations of international law. 29 years since the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, we must never forget how easily hate speech turns to hate crime. Let us be ever vigilant – and always ready to act. pic.twitter.com/59mCdH4yO7 — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 7, 2023 How easily hate speech – a key indicator of the risk of genocide – turns to hate crime, said Guterres. How complacency in the face of atrocity is complicity. And how no place, and no time is immune to danger – including our own. The Secretary-General called on the international community to stand firm against rising intolerance and to be ever vigilant, always ready to act. He emphasized that preventing genocide and other atrocities is a shared responsibility of all UN member states. ALSO READ: New Genocide commemoration format explained Guterres also acknowledged the ongoing work of Rwandans towards healing, restoration, and reconciliation and urged the international community to support their efforts and work towards building a future of dignity, security, justice, and human rights for all. “We pay tribute to the resilience of the survivors. We recognize the journey of the Rwandan people towards healing, restoration, and reconciliation,” he said. As the world reflects on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Guterres's message serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility of all nations to prevent atrocities and promote peace and justice for all.
