Walk to Remember 2017 The Hague. On the picture H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga, H.E. Mrs. Sabine Nölke, Ambassador of Canada, H.E. Ole Moesby, Ambassador of Denmark, friends of Rwanda and Rwandese diaspora in The Hague.
23rd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi
This year, Rwanda marks the 23rd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Themed “Remember the Genocide against the Tutsi – Fight Genocide Ideology – Build on Our Progress”, this year’s Commemoration will be an occasion for Rwandans from all walks of life to pay tribute to the more than million innocent lives lost.
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The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in the Netherlands started the 23rd commemoration program on Friday April 7 in The Hague. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga hosted the official Kwibuka23 Commemoration at the Hilton Hotel.
The event was attended by more than 300 guests, including Mrs Yoka Brandt, guest of honor and Secretary General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Pauline Krikke, the mayor of The Hague, the diplomatic community, friends of Rwanda, Rwandan nationals living in the Netherlands and many others. All guests joined the Walk to Remember that was held prior to the official commemoration.
The official Kwibuka23 event in The Hague in the Netherlands started with a prayer for the victims and survivors by Bishop John Manywa. This was followed by Mrs Christine Safari, who survived the carnage. She had the courage to deliver a moving testimony to the audience, which was followed by a minute of silence.
After the ceremony to light the candles, representing the ever shining lights of the victims, a speech was given by Mr Christian Mundele, the President of Ibuka in the Netherlands.
The speech by the Secretary General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Yoka Brandt, was followed by the closing speech given by H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga. Ambassador Karabaranga said in this speech that we remember the genocide against the Tutsis, because it is an important occasion to remember the lives that were lost, show solidarity with survivors and unite to ensure it never happens again – in Rwanda or anywhere else.
“It is also a chance to learn about Rwanda’s story of reconciliation and nation building. We remember with renewed clarity and commit ourselves to work for a bright future for the next generation of Rwandans”, said the Ambassador. “Kwibuka, which means ‘remember’ in Kinyarwanda, has been launched in Kigali this morning on 7 April 2017. We are called to act for the benefit of future generations in a united and prosperous Rwanda.”
Ambassador Karabaranga also took the opportunity to thank the Dutch Government, for giving a good example by prosecuting 2 genocide suspects in the Netherlands and for having extradited 2 others to Rwanda to face the justice where the crimes were committed. He said that this is a good example that other countries in Europe should follow. “But also here, we know that many genocide fugitives are still on the run. More efforts should be put to try all those who live on the soil of this beautiful country the Netherlands, which hosts the International City of Justice in The Hague, should not be safe haven for genocide fugitives”, said the Ambassador.
H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga concluded to take the opportunity to thank the guest of honor Mrs Yoka Brandt, IBUKA-Netherlands and the Rwandan Diaspora association in the Netherlands for organizing this annual event in cooperation with the Embassy.
Kwibuka23 Events in the Netherlands
The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda invited everyone to be part of a global community, to share the story of the genocide and create a powerful voice for the world to hear. “As a new generation emerges we will all ensure the lives of those lost are remembered through our actions today. Kwibuka23 calls on the global community to stand together against genocide”.
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Join Rwanda in Kwibuka activities by leaving a message of remembrance on www.kwibuka.rw.
Follow @KwibukaRwanda for updated information on Kwibuka23.
