Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda

The UN House in Lesotho hosted Kwibuka24, the 24th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda. Twenty-four years ago, more than 800,000 people were systematically killed in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. The victims were overwhelmingly Tutsi, but also included moderate Hutu, Twa and others.

The commemoration was attended by the High Commissioner of Rwanda to South Africa and Lesotho, Mr.Vincent Karega, Hon. Halebonoe Sets’abi, Lesotho Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Rwandan diaspora, diplomatic community and UN staff.

In his opening remarks, UN Resident Coordinator in Lesotho Mr. Salvator Niyonzima noted “We are here to celebrate those who survived, to acknowledge their suffering and to salute their resilient spirit.  We are here to express solidarity with the people of Rwanda and with the Rwandan community in Lesotho and to remember that genocide, the unspeakable, the crime against humanity, the crime of crimes, happened in Rwanda in 1994”.

Commemorations are taking place globally between 6 April and 4 July every year.