Part of Ambassador Edda Mukabagwiza’s speech in Canada on the occasion of the 14th anniversary of the Genocide against Tutsis

OTTAWA - I would like to thank you for having responded positively to our invitation and to be with us in this 14th commemoration of Tutsi genocide of 1994 in Rwanda. Today we embark on the 14th Commemoration of the Tutsi genocide that killed more than one million victims between April and July 1994 in Rwanda, it is indeed an honour for me to speak on behalf of my Government at this symbolic place which reflects the rich history of his country. Ottawa Peace Tower, where we have gathered today, is a privileged place to commemorate and pay tribute to more than one million victims who perished during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda following conspiracy of silence within the international community. The theme of this year from the Government of Rwanda is “Let us commemorate genocide while fighting against the genocide ideology, render assistance to survivors while working for development”. The Ottawa Peace Tower is the right place to tell the entire World and ask them the following question:What lessons did we learn from the Tutsi genocide of Rwanda? So far, the world is victim of this kind of behaviour. The freedom of speech might not be an excuse to allow people intoxicating the public opinion and we, and the entire world as well, should not allow it. The denial of genocide is abusing the freedom of speech and it is dangerous for the society that’s why we must fight it. I would like to thank the President of Humura Association, Richard Nsanzabaganwa, all the members of his association and the members of the whole Rwandan community of Ottawa-Gatineau. My deepest gratitude also goes to all Rwandan communities in various cities throughout Canada gathering together in homage to the victims of Rwanda who lost their lives in the 1994 genocide. Thank you very much for your kind attention. Ends

National

Part of Ambassador Edda Mukabagwiza’s speech in Canada on the occasion of the 14th anniversary of the Genocide against Tutsis