Kwibuka31: Rwandans in Queensland urged to fight genocide ideology

Rwandans living in Queensland, a state in northeastern Australia, have been urged to fight genocide ideology by building a future rooted in peace, unity, and love. The call was made during the 31st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, held at the University of Queensland, St Lucia, on Saturday, May 17. The event brought together over 300 people including Rwandans and their friends, along with dignitaries including the Rwandan High Commissioner to Australia, Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye who attended virtually. Also present were Fiona Simpson, Minister for Women and Wom

Rwandans living in Queensland, a state in northeastern Australia, have been urged to fight genocide ideology by building a future rooted in peace, unity, and love. The call was made during the 31st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, held at the University of Queensland, St Lucia, on Saturday, May 17. The event brought together over 300 people including Rwandans and their friends, along with dignitaries including the Rwandan High Commissioner to Australia, Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye who attended virtually. Also present were Fiona Simpson, Minister for Women and Women's Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Minister for Multiculturalism, as well as the President of African Communities in Queensland. Renatus Murindangabo, President of the Rwandan Community in Queensland, reminded participants that

K

wibuka means “to remember.” He emphasized that remembering is not only a way to honor the victims but also a commitment to a peaceful future. “It is a promise we make to ourselves, to our children, and to the world that genocide will never happen again,” Murindangabo said.

ALSO READ: Rwandans in Singapore mark #Kwibuka31

He stressed that living far from Rwanda does not lessen their grief or reduce their responsibility. “We carry the stories of survivors, the lessons of our history, and the duty to build peace, unity, and resilience wherever we are. Here in Queensland, we are grateful to live in a society that values diversity, harmony, and humanity.” Murindangabo encouraged the Rwandan community and others to raise awareness about Rwanda’s journey from genocide to reconciliation, justice, and development. “As we remember the past, let us recommit to building a future rooted in love, unity, and peace for Rwanda, for Australia, and for the world.” He also called on Rwandans to fight genocide ideology by standing for truth and teaching their children about unity, the sanctity of life, and the need to resist hatred in all its forms. Minister Fiona Simpson, in her remarks, praised Rwandans for their resilience after the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. “It is heartbreaking to hear what Rwandans went through. We commend you for your resilience and efforts toward reconciliation. We stand with you. People who promote genocide ideology, division, and denial must be condemned,” she said. Rwandan High Commissioner to Australia, Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, has emphasized the importance of active participation in commemoration by the young Rwandan generation born after the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi and raised in the diaspora. “Such active involvement from the youth ensures that the memory of our loved ones is not buried in the past but preserved and passed on to future generations,” he said. Reflecting on this year's theme, “Remember – Unite – Renew,” the High Commissioner noted that it represents Rwanda’s journey and provides guidance for moving forward. “To remember is to honor the truth, to unite is to resist division, and to renew is to commit ourselves to continue rebuilding Rwanda, a nation where unity is upheld and division is rejected,” Uwihanganye stated. He stressed that the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi was orchestrated by a government that deliberately targeted a segment of its own population. He called on all Rwandans to uphold unity, support one another, speak the language of togetherness, and preserve the spirit of Rwandese. “Unity is not optional, it is essential,” he emphasized. The High Commissioner also urged Rwandans to stand firm against genocide denial, which is often propagated on social media, and to always defend the truth. “To the survivors, we say your courage inspires us. To the young people, we say your role is vital,” he concluded.

The commemoration event began with the Walk to Remember

Renatus Murindangabo, President of the Rwandan Community in Queensland, urges Rwandans to fight genocide ideology

Rwandans and their friends in Australia gather at the University of Queensland, St Lucia, to mark the 31st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.