International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda is celebrated on April 7th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you need know about International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda.

📅 What day is International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda 2024?

In 2024, International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda is on Friday, April 7th. It is the 1st Friday in April; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the exciting details and facts about April 7, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every year on April 7th, the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda is observed to remember and mourn the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. It is shocking to learn that between 500,000 and 800,000 Tutsi people were brutally killed during this genocide. The United Nations and its member countries come together to honor this day. Various commemorative events take place in cities around the world, including Kigali, Dar-es-Salaam, Geneva, and New York City. As a customary practice, all member nations of the United Nations are requested to observe a minute of silence to pay tribute to the victims.

📜 International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda History

On April 6, 1994, a plane carrying Habyarimana and Burundian President Ntaryamira was shot down, resulting in the deaths of all passengers on board. This event triggered the start of a 100-day genocide. Both Hutu extremists and the R.P.F. claimed responsibility for the attack, with the R.P.F. suggesting it was done to justify the genocide. Following the assassination, Colonel Bagosora took control of the country through a crisis committee and oversaw the genocide. Militias were given a list of Tutsi and moderate Hutu figures to execute, along with their families. Various prominent individuals, including Prime Minister Uwilingiyimana and President Kavaruganda, were among those targeted. The government troops utilized Rwanda’s national ID card to identify and kill Tutsis. Hutus were encouraged to commit acts of violence against their Tutsi neighbors and seize their property. The RPF intensified their attacks after the death of Habyarimana, eventually gaining control of northern Rwanda and Kigali by mid-July. This effectively halted the mass killings, leading to the displacement of over two million Hutus to neighboring countries. The United Nations designated April 7, 2004, as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda.

✅ International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda Facts

🔖 Triggered by the death of a president
The genocide started when President Juvénal Habyarimana of Rwanda was assassinated.

🔖 The genocide lasted for 100 days

🔖 The genocide was between two ethnic groups
The Hutu ethnic group, who held power, systematically executed the Tutsi ethnic group, resulting in a genocide.

👍 Why Is International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda Important

The International Day of Reflection on the Rwandan Genocide is a unique day to memorialize the hundreds of thousands of lives lost or harmed during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. It recalls the victims and their suffering, and it urges a united effort to better the lives of the survivors.

Aside from remembering the victims, the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda allows governments and relevant organizations, such as the United Nations, to rally support to prevent future genocides. Stronger international rules against genocide and expanded access to humanitarian help for those living in war and conflict zones might be among them.

The Rwandan government and relevant organizations use the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide to advocate for justice for genocide victims and reparations from complicit countries.

🙂 How To Observe International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda

⚡ Learn more about the Rwandan Civil War
It is crucial for you to fully understand the immense scale of the genocidal attack, including its underlying causes and the impact it had on the people and society of Rwanda. While this page provides a brief overview of the genocide’s history, you can explore further details and resources on the internet.

⚡ Attend a commemorative event
Every year, on the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda, various events are arranged in major cities worldwide to honor and remember the victims of the genocide. If you find yourself in Kigali, New York City, Dar es Salaam, or Geneva, you can reach out to the United Nations or the Rwandan Embassy or government for more details about these activities.

⚡ Watch a film or documentary on the genocide
Numerous movies and documentaries have portrayed the events of the Holocaust, with “Hotel Rwanda” being a prominent example that showcases the resilience of Paul Rusesabagina, a Rwandan hotel manager during the conflict. Additionally, there are several other films such as “Sometimes in April,” “Rwanda: The Untold Story,” “My Neighbor, My Killer,” and “Beyond Right and Wrong” that delve into different aspects of the subject.

📅 When is International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda?

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