International Day of Reflection – 7 April 23

On 7 April, the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda is commemorated. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly. The date marks the beginning of the genocide perpetrated against members of the Tutsi minority by the Hutu extremist-led government. Within just over 100 days, more than 1 million Tutsi were systematically murdered. Moderate Hutu and others who opposed the massacres were also killed during this period.

The United Nations (UN) has named 7 April the ‘Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide’ to commemorate the deaths of 800,000 people during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.  

Globally, many people around the world hold memorial ceremonies that include candle lighting and a minute of silence to honour the victims of the Rwanda genocide. This UN day is also a time for diplomats and critical community figures to talk with communities about the atrocities of genocide and the importance of working towards a peaceful way of life. 

Last year, the African Union observed the 28th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The annual commemoration aimed to create greater awareness among African people and the international community about the value of life and humanity and to commit to protecting and upholding fundamental human rights. 

The AU outlined the following objectives: remembering the genocide and reflecting on the repercussions thereof inside and outside Rwanda’s borders; uniting in the fight against genocide, genocide ideology and genocide denial; renewing a resolve to ensure that genocide does not happen again in Africa or elsewhere; and collectively committing to justice and the fight against impunity.