The event was attended by several guests, including Hans Docter, Deputy Secretary General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, as well as local authorities such as Flora Breemer, representing the Municipality of Amsterdam, and Joseph Rutazihana, President of Ibuka Netherlands.
In his remarks, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dushimimana Lambert, emphasized that this moment is not only for remembrance but also for renewing the collective responsibility to combat genocide ideology.
He recalled that 32 years have passed since the Genocide began on April 7, 1994, claiming the lives of over one million innocent people.
Women, men, and children were killed simply because of who they were, and their dreams and aspirations were forever destroyed by hatred and discrimination.
Amb. Dushimimana paid tribute to survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi, commending their resilience and courage, which continue to serve as a source of strength in rebuilding Rwanda.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the Genocide, he noted that Rwanda faced immense challenges across all sectors; human, economic, institutional, and moral but chose a path of rebuilding founded on unity, justice, and reconciliation.
He expressed gratitude to countries that supported Rwanda throughout this journey, particularly the Kingdom of the Netherlands, for its significant role in strengthening the justice sector and supporting efforts to prosecute genocide suspects.
However, the Ambassador also raised concerns about ongoing challenges. Despite the global commitment to “Never Again,” there are still alarming signs, including the resurgence of genocide ideology, the spread of hate speech, and attempts to distort historical facts.
He warned that such developments should not be taken lightly, as history has shown that unchecked hate speech can escalate into extreme violence.
Amb. Dushimimana called on the international community to take stronger action in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting genocide fugitives, stressing that justice must neither be delayed nor selective.
He also addressed the Rwandan community in the Netherlands, urging them to preserve memory, promote unity, and actively oppose denial and distortion of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Amb. Dushimimana further stated that commemoration is not only about reflecting on the past but also a call to act in the present, to ensure that the words “Never Again” carry real and lasting meaning.
The event began with a Walk to Remember, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
Among the speakers, the President of Ibuka Netherlands, Joseph Rutazihana, thanked the Government of the Netherlands for its continued support to Rwanda, particularly in the area of justice.
He emphasized that remembrance is essential and must remain ongoing, while encouraging survivors to stay strong during this 32nd commemoration period.
Representing the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hans Docter reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to continue working with Rwanda on justice related to the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Walk to remember
Commemoration talks and laying of wreaths
karirima@igihe.com
Leave a Reply