The proclamation honors the memory of over one million people who were deliberately and systematically killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, in which Tutsi were specifically targeted.
This recognition follows a broader shift in international acknowledgment, including by the United States, which has recently adopted the accurate terminology “Genocide Against the Tutsi,” moving away from the previously used “Rwandan Genocide.” Other jurisdictions, such as Kentwood City, have also priclaimed April 7 as the remembrance day for teh genocide.
In the proclamation, Whitmer noted that the genocide remains a historical fact recognized by major international bodies, including the United Nations, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and the African Union, as well as survivor communities around the world.
The statement also recalled that on December 23, 2003, the United Nations designated April 7 as an international day of remembrance, now known as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The day underscores a shared global responsibility to honor victims, support survivors, and prevent future atrocities.
Whitmer highlighted the importance of remembrance in countering genocide denial, distortion, and revisionism, warning that such narratives continue to harm survivors and undermine historical truth.
The proclamation further acknowledged the contributions of the Rwandan community living in Michigan, including survivors, descendants, scholars, and civic leaders, noting their role in strengthening the state’s cultural and economic life through resilience and commitment to education.
It also aligned the observance with the global Kwibuka remembrance period, meaning ‘to remember’, during which communities around the world honor victims of the genocide while reaffirming commitments to truth, resilience, and prevention.
Concluding the proclamation, the State of Michigan reaffirmed its dedication to human rights, the rule of law, and truthful education, while standing firmly against antisemitism, racism, xenophobia, and all forms of ethnic hatred.
IBUKA USA, an umbrella organization of survivors of the Genocide Against the Tutsi living in the United States, together with the Rwandan community in Michigan, welcomed the decision taken by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The President of IBUKA USA, Marcel Mutsindashyaka, described the proclamation as a strong affirmation of truth.
“This decision is a support for truth. When the Genocide Against the Tutsi is called by its proper name, it restores dignity to those who were targeted and reinforces the truth that survivors have upheld for many years,” he said.
Meanwhile, Caleb J. Uwagaba, President of the Rwandan community in Michigan, said the Governor’s decision carries significant meaning both within Michigan and across the United States.
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