The discussions, held on March 22, 2024, spanned the entire day, engaging a broad spectrum of participants in deep conversations about the genocide’s legacy and the ongoing battle against its denial and trivialization. A poignant moment came with the presentation of "Our History," a song by Jules Sentore, which encapsulated the themes of memory and resilience.

Distinguished attendees included Igor Cesar, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany; Judence Kayitesi, President of Ibuka-Deutschland; Dr. Eric Ndushabandi; Ernest Sagaga, head of Ibuka-Mémoire & Justice in Belgium; and notable legal and political figures such as Richard Gisagara and Heike Raab, State Secretary of Rhineland-Palatinate’s State Chancellery. Their speeches underscored the multifaceted challenges of confronting genocide denial across Europe.

Lawyer Richard Gisagara particularly stressed the sophistication of denial tactics and the imperative of bolstering legal frameworks to counteract them. He lauded European efforts, including France’s legislative strides against genocide denial and the European Union’s foundational law encouraging member states to criminalize the denial of all recognized genocides.

Ernest Sagaga and Dr. Eric Ndushabandi provided insights into the resilience of the Tutsi genocide survivors and the pernicious spread of genocide ideology in Africa’s Great Lakes Region, respectively. Their contributions illuminated the path from trauma to progress, highlighting the importance of remembering and learning from past atrocities.

Ambassador Cesar emphasized the event’s role in shining a spotlight on the denial and minimization of the Genocide Against the Tutsi and other genocides, advocating for a collective European response to this challenge. The discussions aimed not only at commemoration but also at fostering a broader understanding and action against genocide denial.

The dialogue underscored the importance of such forums in legislative spaces like the German Parliament to ensure wider recognition and action. The participation of witnesses and survivors, including Sakina Denise Uwimana Reinhardt, added a deeply personal dimension to the discourse, bridging historical facts with the lived experiences of those affected.

Judence Kayitesi reiterated the necessity of these discussions in combating the persistent denial and trivialization of the genocide, urging for sustained engagement in this crucial endeavor.

This initiative is part of a larger effort that includes the establishment of the first memorial for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Germany, joining over 20 similar memorials worldwide.

These sites serve as solemn remembrances for the victims and as educational resources, emphasizing the global commitment to remembering the Genocide against the Tutsi and preventing future atrocities.

Ambassador Cesar emphasized the event's role in shining a spotlight on the denial and minimization of the Genocide Against the Tutsi and other genocides, advocating for a collective European response to this challenge.

Dr. Eric Ndushabandi made a presentation of continued propagation of genocide ideology in the Great Lakes region.

Ernest Sagaga provided insights into the resilience of the Tutsi genocide survivors.

Lawyer Richard Gisagara particularly stressed the sophistication of denial tactics and the imperative of bolstering legal frameworks to counteract them.

Dr. Wolfgang Reinhardt sharing an idea after presentations on fighting Genocide denial as a collective responsibility. .

Valentin Hategekimana, the Vice President of Ibuka-Deutschland moderated discussions.

Judence Kayitesi reiterated the necessity of these discussions in combating the persistent denial and trivialization of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Heike Raab, State Secretary of Rhineland-Palatinate's State Chancellery.

Judence Kayitesi is the President of Ibuka-Deutschland.

Jules Sentore, a renowned artist performed at the event.

This woman also followed discussions carrying her child on the back.

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