This afternoon, President Paul Kagame welcomed UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, and UN Resident Coordinator, Ozonnia Ojielo, at Urugwiro Village. The high-level discussions centered on the critical work of the Office of the Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, particularly its efforts to combat genocide denial and hate speech in the region and beyond.
The meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment of both the Rwandan government and the United Nations to address and prevent genocide, ensuring that the horrors of the past are not repeated. President Kagame and the UN delegation discussed strategies to strengthen cooperation and enhance the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at preventing genocide and promoting peace and stability.
Alice Wairimu Nderitu emphasized the importance of combating genocide denial, which poses a significant threat to peace and reconciliation. She noted that denying genocide not only dishonors the memory of the victims but also perpetuates the cycle of violence and hatred. Her office is dedicated to working closely with regional governments and international organizations to address this issue and promote a culture of remembrance and justice.
Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator, reiterated the UN’s support for Rwanda’s efforts in promoting peace and security. He praised Rwanda’s remarkable progress in post-genocide recovery and its role in advocating for peace and stability in the region. Ojielo also stressed the need for continued vigilance against hate speech, which can incite violence and disrupt social harmony.
President Kagame expressed his appreciation for the UN’s support and underscored Rwanda’s commitment to upholding the principles of justice and human rights. He highlighted the country’s efforts in promoting unity and reconciliation among its people and the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict to build a sustainable peace.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration between Rwanda and the United Nations in the fight against genocide denial and hate speech. Both parties agreed on the need for continuous dialogue, education, and awareness-raising to foster a culture of peace and prevent future atrocities.
