The Rwandan Embassy in France has organized a Commemoration ceremony with the collaboration of UNESCO.

The event was attended at the impressive Room 4 Auditorium of UNESCO HQ and more than 150 people, attended by representatives of the French Government, permanent Delegates to the UNESCO, Ambassadors accredited in France, Commemoration partners (including NGOs, Survivors associations...), Friends of Rwanda and many members of the Rwandan Community in France.

The last commemoration event at UNESCO was during the 10th commemoration in 2004.

Mrs Lalla Aïcha Ben Barka, Assistant Director-General for Africa at UNESCO had very meaningful words on the value of remembering the Genocide. She highlighted that the Commemoration is a time of sorrow but also an opportunity for hope.

Mr. Alain Ngirinshuti, Vice Chairman of Ibuka France highlighted the mature perspective of the Survivors, 19th after the tragedy.

He insisted that a memorial in memory of the Genocide against the Tutsi should be raised in Paris to be inaugurated on the 20th anniversary.

In support to this initiative, an open letter has been sent to President Hollande. The Chairman of Ibuka France also insisted that the knowledge of the Genocide should be introduced in Education.

H.E. David Hamadziripi, Ambassador of Zimbabwe in France, Permanent Delegate to the UNESCO, and representing the Group of African Ambassadors in France delivered a very strong message on memory as a collective responsibility.

He also pointed at the issue of genocide criminals being active abroad, in particular in DRC. He concluded on the significance of Never Again as a promise of Peace.

Mrs. Corinne Brunon-Meunier, Deputy Director for Eastern Africa at the French MoFA and representing the French Government, delivered a balanced speech on the significance of the Commemoration.

She mainly highlighted the effort of the French government to improve the Justice system. She developed on the new department in charge of Genocide crimes and crimes against Humanity.

She also mentioned the forthcoming first case to be prosecuted at the criminal court (Cour d’Assise).

H.E. Ambassador Jacques Kabale concluded with a 10-minute allocution developing the importance of memory. After a tribute to the victims and the expression of support to the survivors, he developed his message on two main points.

First, Justice was presented as a disappointing process in France due to shortcoming, loopholes and obstructions.

Cooperative countries were given as an example of political determination.

Second, Security was presented as an issue directly related to the presence of genocide suspects sustaining a destructive agenda, particularly in DRC.

The Ambassador also invited UNESCO to act in support to the memory of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

He insisted on the relevance to list the 3 memorials of Gisozi, Bisesero and Murambi on the World Heritage.

He also insisted on the importance of including the Genocide in future "Education to Peace" initiatives.

In conclusion, the Ambassador ended with a statement of much resonance in the assembly: the Genocide against the Tutsi is a lesson of Humanity for the Humanity.

Ambassador Jacques Kabale addressing a gathering during the 19th commemoration of Genocide against Tutsi