Activists call for documentation of Genocide data

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the fight against Genocide (CNLG), Jean de Die Mucyo, has challenged scholars, researchers and witnesses of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to record what caused the mayhem for future reference. While addressing anti-genocide activists yesterday, Mucyo said information on what caused the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi should be well documented before the eye witnesses die. “Those who deny occurrence of genocide are publishing a lot of false information and the truth is not documented and published enough to challenge these lies,” he noted. Also highlighted was the fact that data on survivors’ plight and achievements on Genocide prevention and managing its effects is not highlighted as it ought to be. The activists, who had met as part of the initial preparatory activities for 19th commemoration of the Genocide, called for methods to counter those who deny genocide and document lies.Speaker after another stressed the need for research and publication of genocide findings and distribution.Debates and writings competition were encouraged among students, they urged.They also called for the coordination and documentation of support to survivors to ensure follow up and fair distribution of resources.It was noted with concern that that several memorial sites were in dilapidated state.During the meeting it was revealed that next year’s genocide commemoration theme should focus on promoting of participation in the week-long activities by the local population non-nationals residing in Rwanda, international organisations and the Diaspora. The activities take place during the week starting April 7 of every year, to mark the over one million Rwandans killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi.