The Rwandan High Commissioner in the UK, Johnston Busingye, said that Genocide denial is a menace that can be defeated whether by law, education, or individually challenging denial wherever encountered. He said this during the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi event held in Newcastle, United Kingdom, on April 30. The event was marked by a Rwandan flag raising ceremony, presided over by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle Councillor, Habib Rahman. The Rwandan community in the North East of England also gathered for a ‘Walk to Remember’ through the streets of Newcastle, which was concluded at the University of Newcastle, where the Kwibuka28 discussions were held. In attendance were the Rwandan Community in the North of England, friends of Rwanda, the Lord Mayor of Newcastle and the local Member of Parliament Chi Onwurah MP. In his address, Busingye said that the reason for remembering is: “for survivors. The Genocide didn’t happen 28 years ago, it’s yesterday, it’s today, and its tomorrow, it never become history and it cannot. We remember and we share the facts so that no one can ever deny the Genocide against the Tutsi.” He also highlighted the stages of Genocide preparation and the words which incite hatred and division. “Genocide does not begin with killings; it begins with words, speeches and division. Today, we have more capabilities to counter, yet Genocide denial still manages to find surface, in some instances under the protective blanket of free speech,” he said. He noted that the country will work with, and support all partners willing to tackle Genocide denial. Earlier this month, the Rwandan envoy also called on the UK government to invest more efforts in bringing to court Genocide fugitives who are at large. The flag raising ceremony in Newcastle, to mark the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi will be an annual event.
