The 17th Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi

This 17th commemoration is a time to pause in our work of building a prosperous and secure future in order to look back with honesty and to ensure that the legacy of genocide is faced with dignity.

Then we can look forward with a deepened understanding. “Upholding the truth: preserve our dignity” this is our guiding theme for this year’s commemoration. Truth is for everyone. It frees the nation, enabling all Rwandans to live and work together in dignity. It is preventative: a weapon against violence and denial. Truth lights the ways from darkness, bringing clarity and positive visions for the future. For the survivors, dignity comes when their stories and experiences are witnessed and believed. Truth telling honours the victims and the survivors.

This 17th commemoration is a time for those who have not yet told their stories to step out of silence and find their voice and share with others and to find dignity in doing so. It is a time to establish the memory of genocide and combat its ideology, negationism and revisionism. It is a time to remember together and to hold each other in our knowledge of the past and in our shared commitment to a common future. Over the past 17th years survivors have become stronger and more forward looking. During this commemoration we honour survivors and the country with truth.

We commit to a society in which survivors are provided with the dignity, the recognition, and the assistance that they need in order to continue their healing and to work together with all Rwandans to shape a bright future. The 17th commemoration will be marked by a week – long event from 7th – 13th April to remember the victims, show solidarity with survivors. To enable people all around the world to participate in the 17th commemoration events, four related activities are being launched by the National Commission for the fight against Genocide and partners.