PRESS RELEASE: UN staff join hands with families of murdered colleagues in Kwibuka 25 commemoration

KIGALI, 15 APR 2019 - Last Friday, One UN staff – including the Resident Coordinator and Heads of Agencies – came together with the families and friends of the 64 murdered colleagues in commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

As staff and guests remembered the tragic events that took place 25 years ago, they honored the memory of those who were murdered, expressed unity with their loved-ones, and reflected on the suffering, resilience and reconciliation of those who survived.

The event was attended by Honorable Minister of Justice as Guest of Honor, the Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional Services, the Representative of Rwanda National Police, and the Executive Secretary of NURC. Among other esteemed guests, the Diplomatic Corps were also well represented, including by the Dean.

Looking back on the Genocide against the Tutsi that took place in 1994, the One UN family heard the names of the staff who were killed and reflected on the tragedy and the personal stories of these former staff. Following an emotional testimony from Ms. Betty Faith, surviving daughter of Ndayisaba Festus, staff and guests saluted the Rwandan people and leadership on liberating their country and the remarkable journey it has made since that dark chapter, through messages of hope and a candle-lighting ceremony.

Rwanda inspires the rest of the world, having shown what's possible if we work vigorously and artfully to address the root causes that undermine social cohesion and create conditions for hatred and intolerance. The Kwibuka 25 event was also a time to reaffirm One UN Rwanda’s dedication to the development of this remarkable country.

In the words of the Secretary-General, António Guterres:

“The capacity for evil resides in all our societies, but so, too, do the qualities of understanding, kindness, justice and reconciliation. Let us work together to build a harmonious future for all. This the best way to honor those who lost their lives so tragically in Rwanda 25 years ago.”

In his speech, the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) Mr Fodé Ndiaye echoed this message, calling for unity and a renewal of commitment:

“Our vision for a better humanity, and a better world, is multifaceted. The holistic approach that we need requires principles of unity and cooperation more than ever. With this in mind, let us renew. Let us renew our commitments to work together - across sectors, across institutions, across agencies, across borders, across generations”

The Resident Coordinator’s heartfelt speech also gave acknowledgement to the failure of the UN system, recalling the words of the Special Advisor of the UN Secretary-General, USG Adama Dieng, who represented the Secretary-General during this 25th Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Drawing attention to the instruments that have been set up since 1994 to prevent atrocity crimes and genocide, the RC commended Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring atrocities do not happen elsewhere in the world as one of the top contributors to peacekeeping forces.

Remarks expressing solidarity and empathy with the survivors in the audience were subsequently delivered by the Guest of Honor, during which he re-emphasized a zero tolerance to the perpetrators of the genocide against the Tutsi and those with genocide ideology in Rwanda and elsewhere. Esteemed guests then laid memorial wreaths at the foot of the memorial plaque listing the names of fallen colleagues, located at the entrance to the UNDP main building. Afterwards, One UN staff diffused from the ceremony in a procession, each depositing a white rose of remembrance at the foot of the plaque.

The day’s events were concluded with a get together with the families of the deceased, attended also by Heads of UN Agencies and other One UN staff.

ENDS