UN Rwanda commemorates Genocide

One UN Rwanda staff yesterday remembered their colleagues who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The event, at the UNDP offices in Kigali, was also attended by officials from Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), Commission for the fight against Genocide (CNLG), and the umbrella organisation of Genocide survivors, Ibuka. The One UN Rwanda Resident Coordinator, Lamin Manneh, said the UN staff in Rwanda and allover the world will always remember the innocent lives who were brutally killed by the perpetrators cutting short their lives and careers. Manneh stressed that, as UN staff, they should lead efforts aimed at putting meaning to the notion of ‘Never again’ by continuously translating the words into action. “The commemoration of the Genocide is our responsibilty, and it is an opportunity to look back and challenge ourselves on how to build the nation rather than dwelling on the past,” he said. He added that, they should never let the passage of time make them forget the heinous crime against humanity. Manneh went on to say that, they stand in solidarity with the families that lost their loved ones during the Genocide and support those who survived. He commended the government and the people of Rwanda for the effort in dealing with the consequences of the Genocide. “I would like to commend the courage of Rwandans, the strong and selfless leadership who have chosen unity over divisionism, forgiveness over hatred and revenge,” he said. “This unique courage and sacrifice has led to the Rwanda we have and know today.” he added.Senator Laurent Nkusi urged Rwandans to unite as a nation and fight against genocide ideology. Mobilising civil society and sensitising them about new ideologies will help in the fight against genocide ideology, according to Nkusi. The senator noted that the UN members’ consistent effort in remembering their fallen colleagues during this period is a sign that they will never forget what happened in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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UN Rwanda commemorates Genocide