Remarks by H.E. Mr. Chung Byungwon deputy minister for political affairs for 30^th Commemoration of 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

Your Excellency Bakuramutsa Nkubito Manzi,
Your Excellency Carlos Victor BOUNGOU,
Reverend Dr. KIM Jang-hwan,
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

We are gathered here today in somber remembrance of the 30^th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Two days ago, numerous delegations from around the world converged at the Kigali Genocide Memorial to commemorate Kwibuka30.

Among them was the former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Lee Ju-young, as the representative of the Government of the Republic of Korea, who mourned for those who lost their precious lives during the 1994 genocide underscoring the value our government places on remembering Kwibuka30.

In the same spirit, I too solemnly grieve for the victims, remembering the treasured lives lost during 100 days of inconceivable violence.

I extend my profound empathy also for the unspeakable suffering of those who survived this tragic chapter in human history.

It is heartbreaking to think of those terrible events. However, I believe that not forgetting lamentable history and listening to the survivors is a first step in ensuring that history does not repeat itself.

Moreover, I applaud and pay homage to the determination and resilience that the Rwandan people have shown.

Rwanda has been able to establish itself as a leader at the very forefront in African integration and innovation today because its people, overcoming the tragedy of the past, have moved forward, looking to the future, seeking harmony and the path of development.

Even at this moment of remembering the Genocide 30 years ago, innocent lives continue to be victimized by violence and conflicts around the world.

As we’ve witnessed with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, these worrying situations are not just about one nation nor thing of the past, it is the reality we all are facing today.

We already know that violence can never be justified in any circumstance.

As the people of Rwanda have been doing for years, the international community should reinvigorate its collective responsibilities and stand together with the victims so as to keep moving forward for peace.

Korea and Rwanda, bound by painful histories, share a remarkable aspiration for peace. Drawing upon our similar pasts, Korea stands in heartfelt remembrance of Rwanda’s past and is determined to support Rwanda’s inspiring steps toward a brighter future.

It is with a sense of deep reverence and respect that I have the honour to join you on this solemn day. I pray that the spirit of reconciliation and the pursuit of peace at all costs may echo around the world in these tumultuous times.

Thank you.