NEW DELHI: The Republic of Rwanda and the United Nations in India jointly organised a commemoration to mark the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda on Tuesday at Bharat Mandapam here. About 1 million Tutsis were killed in the genocide that lasted 100 days. Tutsis constitute about 14 per cent of the population in Rwanda.
In his keynote address, Ireland Ambassador Kevin Kelly reflected on his experience working in Rwanda in the aftermath of the genocide. He expressed admiration for Rwanda’s resilience, visionary leadership, and remarkable progress. He noted that the country’s rise from the ashes stands as an example of how a nation can move forward without being defined by its past.
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Rwanda High Commissioner Jacqueline Mukangira expressed appreciation for the Government of India’s support in commemorating the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and for the strong bilateral ties between Rwanda and India. She underscored that the commemoration is a time to honour the victims who lost their lives during the genocide, offer comfort to survivors, and recognise with gratitude those who made sacrifices to bring the atrocities to an end.
Mukangira outlined the historical and political origins of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. She mentioned that the genocide was not spontaneous but a carefully orchestrated, state-sponsored campaign driven by hate ideology. The High Commissioner described the extreme brutality inflicted on victims, including mass killings, torture, and sexual violence, intended to erase the identity and dignity of the Tutsi people.
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The High Commissioner recalled the failure of the international community during the genocide and emphasised that “Never Again” must be upheld as a genuine and enduring commitment. She also drew attention to the continued presence of genocidal ideology in the Great Lakes region, particularly in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, noting that it poses serious risks to regional stability.
The High Commissioner reminded that the United Nations has called on all nations to erect monuments on their soil commemorating the 1994 Genocide. She emphasised that UN member states should either prosecute or extradite genocide fugitives found within their territories. She also stated that they should prosecute the perpetrators and that they must actively fight against and prosecute hate ideology. She further noted Rwanda’s recovery, reiterating its commitment to unity and reconciliation, and indicated the country’s achievements in national development.
Mr Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary for Economic Relations at the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India praised the strong bilateral relations between Rwanda and India and commended the recent visit of Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to India to co-chair the 2nd India-Rwanda Joint Commission Meeting and attend the Raisina Dialogue 2026. He also lauded Rwanda’s remarkable progress under the leadership of President Paul Kagame.
Stefan Priesner, UN Resident Coordinator in India, described Rwanda as a prominent example of a nation overcoming devastation to progress. He also delivered the message of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the occasion.
The remembrance was marked by the lighting of the candles and observing a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the genocide. It also featured a documentary on the genocide; a drama by students from KIET Group of Institutions, depicting the genocide’s planning and execution; along with a musical performance “Mudaheranwa” composed by Joseph Ndayishimiye, by students from Bal Bharati Public School, Noida.
The evening of remembrance brought together over 650 attendees, including Indian Government Officials, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, scholars, business leaders, civil society members, media, and the Rwandan diaspora in India.
The commemoration activities began in the morning with an exhibition attended by around 450 students and educators from high schools across New Delhi and nearby areas. Through their artworks, students depicted the horrors of the genocide while spreading messages of peace, love, and unity.
Speaking at the exhibition, Mrs. Jacqueline Mukangira, High Commissioner of Rwanda to India, expressed her sincere appreciation to UN India for its collaboration during commemoration activities. She further commended the students and their educators for the in-depth research undertaken on the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, which culminated in the creation of insightful, informative artworks.
The High Commissioner encouraged the students to continue promoting the values of tolerance, harmony, peace, respect for human rights, and non-discrimination. India is the second largest investor in her country. She hoped that ties between the two countries will grow stronger. She invited Indians to invest in her country and visit Rwanda.