This memorial serves as a place for survivors and all Rwandans to remember the innocent victims killed over innate identity.

The ceremony was attended by approximately 250 people, including the Ambassador of Rwanda to the Netherlands, Olivier Nduhungirehe; the Netherland’s Minister of Justice and Security, Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius;and Christine Safari, the President of Ibuka-Hollande.

Participants also included officials from the South Amsterdam Province, Rwandans living in the Netherlands, representatives from the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), among others.

Before the commencement of the event, participants observed a moment of silence to remember the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi before proceeding with a remembrance walk and the main ceremony held at the RAI Exhibition Center.

The ceremony began with a lighting of the flame of hope, symbolizing Rwanda’s bright future and ensuring that the victims will never be forgotten, with everyone present taking part.

Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius praised Rwanda’s significant progress in rebuilding over the past 30 years, stating the importance of continuous commemoration, not only for Rwandan youth but also for the international community.

She highlighted Rwanda’s choice of reconciliation over revenge, acknowledging the challenges faced by many who lost their loved ones or grew up in incomplete families yet continue to carry the burden of this historical wound.

Minister Zegerius also commended the role of justice in Rwanda’s rebuilding process, noting her country’s substantial support in enhancing Rwanda’s judicial system.

She remarked on Rwanda’s commendable current state and its role as a beacon of hope worldwide. According to her, despite its tragic past, Rwanda chose to rebuild and unite its people.

Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe thanked the Netherlands for its support in Rwanda’s rebuilding efforts and emphasized the importance of understanding the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

He criticized the ongoing efforts by some to distort the history of the genocide.

He highlighted that such tactics are not new and called for vigilance to prevent these narratives from undermining the global understanding of Rwanda’s history. As the world commemorates the 30th anniversary of the genocide, Amb. Nduhungirehe praised the Netherlands for its significant contributions to justice.

He outlined three key areas of Dutch support: infrastructure development for judicial institutions, training for judicial personnel, and assistance in tracking genocide perpetrators residing in the Netherlands.

Deniers of the genocide continue to undermine its historical accuracy, disputing the number of victims, the targeted ethnic group, and falsely claiming the occurrence of a double genocide.

Amb. Nduhungirehe assured continued cooperation with the Netherlands in pursuing and bringing to justice those responsible for the genocide who have not yet been apprehended.

The Netherland’s Minister of Justice and Security, Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius.

Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe thanked the Netherlands for its support in Rwanda's rebuilding efforts and emphasized the importance of understanding the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius praised Rwanda’s significant progress in rebuilding over the past 30 years.

Christine Safari, the President of Ibuka-Hollande.

Virginie Ingabire shared testimonies at the commemoration event.

Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam, Hester van Buren.

Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius praised Rwanda’s significant progress in rebuilding over the past 30 years.

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