The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has called on the international community to learn lessons from past failures and strengthen efforts to protect lives by condemning hatred, division and incitement to violence.
Guterres made the remarks in a message delivered on April 7, 2026, as Rwanda and the world marked the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The day also marked the beginning of the annual commemoration period in Rwanda, including a week of national mourning and 100 days dedicated to remembering the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
During this period, Rwandans and friends of Rwanda honor the memory of more than one million people who were killed in just 100 days.
In his message, Guterres said that the day serves as a moment to remember the victims, condemn the genocide and honor those who survived.
“On April 7, 2026, we remember the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. We condemn the genocide, pay tribute to the victims and honor the survivors,” he said.
He added that 32 years ago Rwanda went through one of the darkest periods in its history when the genocide claimed more than one million lives within only 100 days, with families brutally murdered.
In a message shared on social media, Guterres expressed sorrow for the victims and paid tribute to survivors while acknowledging the failure of the international community to act in time.
“On the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, we mourn the victims and honor the dignity that was taken from them. We pay tribute to the survivors. Today we remember with humility and shame that the international community failed to heed warnings and take action to save the lives of the Tutsi who were being killed,” he stated.
He also reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to remembering the genocide, listening to survivors and taking action to prevent such atrocities from happening anywhere else in the world.
Guterres concluded by saying that people across the world must stand together against fear, division and silence, and instead work collectively to confront evil and prevent genocide.
