On 8^th May 2022, the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to Poland will commemorate the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. The last genocide of the 20^th century was a cataclysmic event which saw over one million assassinated in barely a hundred days. The unique dimension of the meeting was emphasized by the location chosen by the Organizers - the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. The analogies of the history of both nations are intertwined and the slogan of the celebrations Remember - Unite - Renew resounded exceptionally strongly.

The commemoration will be graced by the presence of Hon. Minister Paweł Jabłoński  Undersecretary of State,  Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Guest of honour, and other 400 guests including officials from the Polish Government, members of the Rwandan Community in Poland, friends of Rwanda from all walks of life including Academia and Business community leaders, and members of the Diplomatic corps accredited to the Republic of Poland.

But the ceremony will also be the opportunity to reflect on Rwanda’s rebirth. “29 years later, Rwanda has proven to be a symbol of strength, resilience, courage, and inclusive development; through our exemplary leadership. Going forward, we will continue to keep the memory of victims alive while fostering our unity and prosperity.” Amb. Anastase Shyaka stated. 

During the event, several speakers will share commemorative messages with the audience, including Deputy Speakers in Parliament: representative of Diplomatic Corps in Poland and University representative.

The commemoration will also include a lighting of candles (Urumuri Rutazima), symbolising the never-ending light of hope, and the Testimony Power of Forgiveness

During the 29th National Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwandan President Paul Kagame noted: " H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, and I quote: " Therefore, the most important lesson our country has learnt is to transform challenges into opportunities, and also use so little to do a lot. There is nothing Rwandans cannot overcome, through unity, hard work, and perseverance. We will forever be very grateful to those friends and partners who stood by our side, and some continue to do so, in the search for justice, as well as in development." End of quote.

Under the theme “Remember-Unite-Renew”, the commemoration period, which started on 7th April 2022, will last for 100 days until 4 July 2022.

Key Fact about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi:

• On 20th April 2020, the UN General Assembly, confirming its Decision 72/550 of 26th January 2018, adopted Resolution A/RES/74/273 that “[reaffirmed] 7 April as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda” and “[condemned] without reservation any denial of the Genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group in Rwanda as a historical event in full or in part, as established by the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in 2006, reject[ed] any denial of the genocide, and urge[d] Member States to develop educational programmes that will inculcate in future generations the lessons of the genocide in order to help to prevent future acts of genocide.