In the post-genocide era, there are genocide deniers and genocide fugitives that should be punished by all countries, the Minister of Justice Emmanuel Ugirashebuja said during the International Conference on Genocide, held at California State University, Sacramento, from November 14-16, 2024.

This three-day conference aimed to promote collective reflection on the ongoing impacts of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and reinforce global commitment to preventing future atrocities.

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It brought together researchers, academics, government officials, authors, and students to discuss these critical issues.

The researchers presented papers on various genocide-related topics, including genocide denial, ethnic cleansing, neo-colonial oppression, among others.

Minister Ugirashebuja cautioned against the use of vague terminology in describing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed more than one million lives.

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"The choice of terminology significantly impacts our understanding and memory of historical events. Terms like ‘Rwandan Genocide’ or ‘all victims of the Rwandan Genocide’ can inadvertently dilute the gravity of what happened. These broad labels may intentionally or unintentionally obscure the specific target of the genocide,” he stated.

Ugirashebuja also reflected on Rwanda’s journey since the Genocide, highlighting the importance of power-sharing in the country&039;s recovery and reconciliation.

He noted that the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), which stopped the Genocide, recognized the significance of power-sharing in rebuilding the nation.

"Despite overthrowing the genocidal government, the RPF reached out to other political parties in Rwanda. Together, they formed the Interim Government of National Unity,” he explained.

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Former Indonesian President Susilo Yudhoyono discussed the challenges of trust and reconciliation in the aftermath of East Timor’s independence.

He highlighted Rwanda as an example of how leadership can guide a nation through the rebuilding process.

Margee Ensign, President of American University in Bulgaria, who delivered a presentation titled Rwanda - 30 Years of Hope, underscored the country’s recovery since the 1994.

"Despite many challenges, Rwanda has staged one of the most remarkable comebacks of this century,” Ensign said.

Addressing genocide denial and its evolving forms

Doris Uwicyeza Picard, CEO of the Rwanda Governance Board, shared insights into the evolution of genocide denial over the years.

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She explained how denial tactics have changed since the aftermath of the genocide.

"In the aftermath, it was literally denial. It then evolved to, for instance, acknowledging the genocide but claiming it was the ‘Rwandan genocide,’ refusing to specify who was targeted for extermination,” Uwicyeza noted.

Geraldine Umutesi, Deputy Director General of the Imbuto Foundation, who shared her personal story as a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, spoke out against genocide denial, emphasizing the pain it causes survivors.

"It reopens the wounds when we see people twisting and denying the truth of what we lived through, especially when we are eyewitnesses and living testimonies,” she added.

Ambassador of Rwanda to the United States Mathilde Mukantabana stressed the importance of continued vigilance in preventing genocide.

"It’s not about reminding you about the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda only, it’s about humanity. Genocide is a stain on our humanity, and we have a mission and responsibility to prevent it,” she said.

Zachary Kaufman, a professor of law and political science at the University of Florida, addressed the progress and challenges in seeking justice for Genocide survivors.

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He pointed out that while some genocide fugitives have been brought to justice, many remain at large.

"The U.S. government and other governments in the world, along with organizations like the Interpol, should cooperate with Rwanda to arrest these individuals and bring them to justice,” Kaufman said.

He stressed the global responsibility to ensure accountability for the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.