The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in the Czech Republic organized on 18th April 2024 a ceremony at the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic with the theme: Remember-Unite-Renew
The commemoration period, commonly referred to as Kwibuka ( the Kinyarwanda word for Remembrance), is an opportunity for Rwandans and the global community to stand together and draw lessons from Rwanda’s tragic history ensuring sustainable peace in the region and around the world.
The hall at the Parliament was full of Ambassadors, Deputies, politicians, and other distinguished guests.
The ceremony was moderated by Benedicto Nshimiyimana, the first counselor at the Rwanda embassy.
After lighting candles and a minute of Silence to commemorate the Genocide victims, the guests were welcomed by Mr. Simon Heller – a member of the Chamber of Deputies and Chairperson of the Rwanda-Czech Republic Parliamentary friendship group.
Then a Video with a statement by Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General on Kwibuka 30.
Ambassador H.E. Mr. Richard Masozera had a remarkable speech (Video attached ) and Mr. Jan Marian – Deputy minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave his remarks ( video attached ).
The video Despair to Hope was screened, with testimonies of survivors of the Genocide. Not even one dry eye could be found on the full hall.
Video of Mrs. Alice Wairimu Nderitu – the UN secretary general & special adviser on the prevention of Genocide, spoke about UN steps to avoid such cases in the future.
Ambassador Karel Kovanda – former permanent representative of the Czech Republic to the UN presented a very interesting the topic:The Failure of the UN and lessons learned from Rwanda in 1994”
You can read more at: https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/the-rwanda-genocide
Ambassador H.E. Mr. Richard Masozera expressed his gratitude to the participants and the guests and closed the memorial ceremony.