On May 16, 2024, the Rwandan Community in Jordan, government officials, the diplomatic community, and friends of Rwanda gathered together for the 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
During the commemoration ceremony, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Jordan, Sheri Ritsema-Anderson, highlighted that they gathered not only to reflect on those tragic days, which witnessed the catastrophic loss of up to a million lives, but also to honor the resilience and bravery of those who survived.
She said, “Thirty years on, what Rwanda has taught us is invaluable, not only the stark realities of how quickly humanity can spiral into chaos if voices for peace and equal rights do not step in, but also the enduring strength of the human spirit to rebuild and renew.”
The Ambassador of Rwanda to Jordan, Urujeni Bakuramutsa, reminded the audience of the importance of commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi as an occasion that calls for remembrance and a reaffirmation of the commitment to prevent the horrors of the past from taking place again.
Ambassador Urujeni emphasized the need for collective responsibility to confront the insidious threat of denialism and hate speech that is currently increasing on a global scale.
“Denial of the genocide against the Tutsi manifests in various ways, often through the refusal to acknowledge the scale and specific targeting of the Tutsi population,” Ambassador Urujeni said.
“This denial is a profound issue, as it distorts historical reality, perpetuates misinformation, and can impede justice and reconciliation efforts,” Ambassador Urujeni added.
She indicated that it is a moment to pay tribute to the survivors, acknowledging their remarkable resilience and fortitude, which serve as enduring symbols inspiring Rwanda’s reconciliation.
