Islamabad, April 7, 2026: The Rwanda High Commission in Pakistan, in collaboration with the Rwandan Community Abroad, hosted a solemn commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at Serena Hotel, Islamabad. The event brought together over 200 participants, including members of the Government of Pakistan, ambassadors, high commissioners, the UN Resident Coordinator, parliamentarians, business leaders, journalists, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The commemoration began with a minute of silence and the lighting of the Flame of Hope to honor the victims and express solidarity with survivors. Attendees also viewed a documentary and heard survivor testimonies, reflecting on the scale of the tragedy and the resilience of the Rwandan nation.
In her remarks, Harerimana Fatou, Rwanda High Commissioner to Pakistan, highlighted Rwanda’s journey of forgiveness, reconciliation, and national unity under the spirit of Ndi Umunyarwanda (“I am Rwandan”). She emphasized that Kwibuka serves not only to remember the victims and honor the Rwandan Patriotic Front/Inkotanyi but also as a call to the international community to oppose genocide ideology, divisionism, and hate speech wherever it emerges.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Yahya, also addressed the gathering, stressing that remembrance strengthens vigilance, human rights, and unity to prevent future atrocities.
Chief Guest Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani described the genocide as one of the darkest chapters in modern history, in which over one million lives were lost in just 100 days. He paid tribute to the resilience and courage of the Rwandan people, commending their remarkable journey from devastation to unity, reconciliation, and national rebuilding—a powerful example for the world. Gilani emphasized that remembrance is a call to action, noting that tolerance, justice, and unity are essential for lasting peace. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting human dignity and the rights of marginalized communities while urging the international community to promote inclusive governance and uphold the pledge of “Never Again.”
The event featured a detailed lecture by Colonel Shyaka Kajugiro Ismail, Defence Attaché at the Rwanda High Commission in Islamabad, who outlined the historical roots of the genocide, its execution, and lessons for the future. He explained how colonial policies institutionalized ethnic divisions, ultimately culminating in a state-sponsored genocide. Colonel Ismail highlighted Rwanda’s post-genocide journey toward justice, unity, and reconciliation, including mechanisms such as Gacaca courts and national civic programs like Ndi Umunyarwanda, concluding with the guiding theme “Remember–Unite–Renew.”
The commemoration underscored the importance of remembrance, education, and collective responsibility, calling upon both Rwanda and the global community to ensure the horrors of 1994 are never repeated.
The event was attended by a diverse gathering of diplomats, government officials, international organizations, media representatives, think tanks, academics, and business leaders, reflecting Pakistan’s solidarity with Rwanda and commitment to human rights and peace.
