Outreach Programme on the 1994 Genocide against
the Tutsi in Rwanda and the United Nations

Portrait of Former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
As I said at last year's commemoration in Kigali, we must exercise "Umuganda" – coming together in common purpose – to avert what can be prevented and counter the cruelty taking place before our eyes.
⇨ Secretary-General's Message

2015 Commemorations — 21st Anniversary
International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon exchanges a few words with Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to the UN, Eugène-Richard Gasana

© UN Photo/Evan Schneider

07 April 2015

Events — New York

Memorial Ceremony
Conference Room 4
United Nations Headquarters, New York.

Two photos side by side depicting participants of the annual commemoration. Top photo is at UNOG. Bottom photo is at UNMISS

Top: © UNOG/Jean-Marc Ferré - Bottom: © UNMISS/JC McIlwaine

09 April 2015

Events — UNOG

Memorial Ceremony
Palais des Nations, Geneva.

07 April 2015

Events — UNMISS

Memorial Ceremony
Juba, South Sudan.

Around the world

Commemorative and educational activities (memorial ceremonies, educational briefings, film screenings, exhibitions) were organized by UN information centres around the world, including in (among others):

  • Belgium
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • France
  • India
  • Iran
  • Italy
  • Kenya
  • Madagascar
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Zambia

Video Clip - NYC Commemorations

Annual Commemoration - NYC
(01:09:03)

The memorial ceremony included candle lighting, a moment of silence, and remarks by the Secretary-General, the Vice-President of the General Assembly, the Permanent Observer of the African Union and the Ambassadors of the Republic of Rwanda and the United States.

Ms. Régine King, a survivor of the Rwanda genocide, shared her personal testimony.