Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide in the United States

History

The Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide, observed annually on April 7, marks the beginning of a 100-day period in 1994 during which more than 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu were killed by extremist Hutu forces in a systematic campaign of genocide. The United Nations General Assembly officially designated this date as an international day of reflection in 2003 with resolution A/RES/58/234.

Traditions

While there are no specific traditions associated with this day in the United States, it is typically commemorated with:

• Memorial Services: Religious and community services are held to honor those who lost their lives.
• Educational Programs: Institutions like schools and museums may host events aimed at educating people about the genocide and its aftermath.
• Candlelight Vigils: Individuals or groups might hold vigils to reflect on the losses suffered and raise awareness about genocide prevention.
• Panel Discussions: Universities and think tanks often organize discussions featuring experts on human rights, history, and African studies.

What People Do

On this day, people across the United States may engage in several activities, including:

• Attending Commemoration Events: People attend organized events that memorialize victims and survivors.
• Advocacy: Advocates for human rights use this day to push for policies aimed at preventing future genocides.
• Social Media Campaigns: Individuals and organizations spread awareness using hashtags like #Kwibuka (meaning "to remember" in Kinyarwanda) to share stories and support genocide prevention efforts.

In summary, the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide serves as a somber reminder for reflection on past atrocities, educating others to prevent future occurrences, and honoring those affected by these tragic events.