FPCD Supports UN Message on Anniversary of Rwanda Genocide

THE FPCD ALIGNS ITSELF WITH THE MESSAGE OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL

the Secretary-General

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MESSAGE ON THE 18^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE

GENOCIDE IN RWANDA

"Today, we mark the 18^th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda.  We remember the more than 800,000 innocent people who lost their lives.  

This year’s theme is “learning from history to shape a bright future”. Rwanda has learned from the appalling tragedy of 1994.  So has the world.

Rwanda is making progress towards building a more peaceful and just society.  The international community is striving to ensure that similar tragedies never happen again.  

The United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda delivered the first-ever verdicts in relation to genocide by an international court, and continues to pursue justice and accountability. The International Criminal Court has become an effective deterrent for would-be perpetrators of grave crimes.

To all those around the world who persist in suppressing their fellow citizens crying out for dignity and freedom, we send a clear message: justice will be done.  Impunity must become a relic of the past.

We are also working to strengthen conflict prevention and mediation, and to uphold the responsibility to protect.

Preventing genocide is a collective obligation. Let us continue to work together to ensure a future forever free of genocide. This would be the most fitting way to remember those lost in Rwanda 18 years ago, and to honour the resilience of the survivors."