Rising from the ashes
UN General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid criticized « hate speech and propaganda » for turning friends and neighbours into enemies.

During a candle-lighting ceremony, he urged the participants to « stand against racism, hate speech, xenophobia, and all forms of discrimination » and to let the light « burn brighter than the darkness of hate and violence ».

« Today, Rwanda has rebuilt from the ashes of horrific tragedy and destruction, evidenced by its economic, social and political developments, » he said.

« It laid the foundation for these achievements by having embarked on a better path; one of forgiveness and reconciliation, leaving behind past resentments and acknowledging the common humanity of all ».

Mr. Shahid honoured the survivors who « mustered the strength and courage to defy the odds, » saying that their bravery and resilience stand as « a beacon of hope for the people of Rwanda, and many more across the world ».

Bearing witness
Rwandan-born Providence Umugwaneza, was 11 years old when the genocide began. She was the fifth child in a family of eight with parents, grandparents, uncles and cousins « a constant presence » in her life.

« We were a happy family until we weren’t. During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, my family was mercilessly killed by the Interahamwe, » the notorious Hutu paramilitary organization, she said in her recorded testimony.

Ms. Umugwaneza recounted how as a child, she didn’t understand the distinction between Hutu and Tutsi until one day her best friend labelled her a Tutsi, because she was « tall and skinny and have a long nose. »

« That’s when I realized that slight physical variations made me different in the eyes of my Hutu classmates and teachers…[and] put me at risk ».

Speaking at the Commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, survivor Providence Umugwaneza bears testimony to the merciless killing of her family.UNTV

Speaking at the Commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, survivor Providence Umugwaneza bears testimony to the merciless killing of her family.

Threats turn violent
When she was old enough to read the lists posted outside each classroom stating students’ names, religions, and ethnicities, mild threats turned to violence.

The kids began taunting Ms. Umugwaneza that as a minority, it would not be hard to exterminate her « when the time comes. »

« I would not be here today if I had not travelled to my aunt’s house during Easter, » she said, explaining that she left to help care for her new-born cousin.

Only memories live – Genocide survivor

When it was time to go back home, news broke that the plane carrying the President was shot down, killing everybody on board.

« Within the next couple of hours, things changed quickly and for good, » the survivor continued.

« None of the kids, my uncles, and aunties escaped the killing that had been prepared for so long. In my extended family, no one survived. They were all completely wiped out. Only memories live ».

Speaking at the Commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, survivor Providence Umugwaneza bears testimony to the merciless killing of her family.

Threats turn violent
When she was old enough to read the lists posted outside each classroom stating students’ names, religions, and ethnicities, mild threats turned to violence.

The kids began taunting Ms. Umugwaneza that as a minority, it would not be hard to exterminate her « when the time comes. »

« I would not be here today if I had not travelled to my aunt’s house during Easter, » she said, explaining that she left to help care for her new-born cousin.

Only memories live – Genocide survivor

When it was time to go back home, news broke that the plane carrying the President was shot down, killing everybody on board.

« Within the next couple of hours, things changed quickly and for good, » the survivor continued.

« None of the kids, my uncles, and aunties escaped the killing that had been prepared for so long. In my extended family, no one survived. They were all completely wiped out. Only memories live ».