Mechanism participates in the commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism) participated in the commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda on Saturday, 7 April 2018, in Dar es Salaam and Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania.

The commemoration event in Dar es Salaam, jointly organized by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, the Rwandan High Commission in Dar es Salaam and the Mechanism, took place at the Mlimani City International Conference Hall in Dar es Salaam. The event featured a candle lighting ceremony and an exhibition on the work of the Mechanism was also presented. The event in Dar es Salaam was attended by the Minister of Arts Culture and Sports of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Harrison Mwakyembe, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda in Tanzania, His Excellency Eugene S. Kayihura, the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Tanzania Alvaro Rodríguez, representatives of various diplomatic missions and UN agencies, students and members of the public.

The commemoration event in Arusha, jointly organized by the High Commission of Rwanda in Tanzania, the Rwandan Diaspora, the East African Community (EAC) and the Mechanism, took place at the headquarters of the EAC in Arusha and was attended by hundreds of people, including the Deputy Secretary General of the EAC in charge of Planning and Infrastructure, His Excellency Steven Mlote, the Representative of the High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda in Arusha, His Excellency John Kizito, the Deputy Secretary General of the EAC in charge of Production and Social Sectors, His Excellency Christophe Bazivamo, Tanzanian Government officials, Mechanism representatives and members of the public.

The activities surrounding the commemoration this year were organized around the theme Remember  - Unite - Renew “KWIBUKA TWIYUBAKA”.

Speaking during the events in Dar es Salaam and Arusha, the Mechanism representatives reiterated the Mechanism’s commitment to ensuring that the atrocities of 1994 are not forgotten and underscored the continued need to speak out against indifference and denial.