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On April 7, we take a moment to reflect and remember the atrocities of the Rwandan genocide on the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda. This day was designated by the United Nations to honor the memory of over 800,000 people who lost their lives in just 100 days during one of the most horrific events in human history. It's also a time to recognize and honor those who have worked tirelessly for justice and reconciliation in Rwanda since then. Though it may be a somber occasion, let us come together to honor and celebrate the resilience and strength of the Rwandan people as they continue to heal and rebuild their country.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1986</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Power Dynamics Shift</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1986, President Juvénal Habyarimana, a Hutu, began losing his grip on power, worsening ethnic tensions in Rwanda.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Beginning of Civil War</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Rwandan Patriotic Front, composed mostly of Tutsi refugees, invaded Rwanda from Uganda, starting the Rwandan Civil War.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rwandan Genocide Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>On April 7, the Rwandan genocide began, following the assassination of President Habyarimana. Over the next 100 days, approximately 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Civil War Ends</div><div class='timeline-text'>In July 1994, the genocide ended when the Rwandan Patriotic Front took control of the country, marking the end of the civil war.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rwandan Recovery</div><div class='timeline-text'>Rwanda begins to see progress in its recovery, marking an important milestone in its history and showing the resilience and strength of its people.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Remembrance Day Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations officially designates April 7 as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda, a time to remember those who were lost and reflect on the atrocities that occurred.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a memorial service</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many communities hold memorial services on this day to honor the victims of the genocide in Rwanda. Attend one to pay your respects and reflect on the tragic event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself on the history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn about the events leading up to and during the genocide in Rwanda. This will help you better understand the impact of this tragedy and how we can prevent similar events from happening in the future.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer for a genocide prevention organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many organizations dedicated to preventing genocide and promoting peace around the world. Use this day as an opportunity to get involved and volunteer with one of these organizations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a discussion or film screening</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Bring people together to discuss the genocide in Rwanda and its impact on the world. You can also host a screening of a documentary or film that sheds light on the events and their aftermath.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a moment of silence</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a moment of silence to honor the victims and survivors of the genocide in Rwanda. This can be done individually or as part of a larger event or gathering.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It helps us remember and honor the victims</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda serves as a reminder to never forget the over 800,000 people who lost their lives. It allows us to reflect on the tragedy and pay our respects to those who suffered.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness and educates about genocide</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day also brings attention to the atrocities of genocide in general, not just in Rwanda. By reflecting on this event, we can educate ourselves and others about the warning signs and consequences of genocide, helping to prevent future occurrences.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes healing and reconciliation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Through reflection and remembrance, this day can also aid in the healing process for those who were affected by the genocide in Rwanda. It is an important step towards promoting reconciliation and peace within communities that were torn apart by violence and hatred.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Genocide Against the Tutsi Was Rapid and Brutal</h3><p class='facts-content'>The genocide in Rwanda was one of the quickest and most brutal in human history with an estimated 800,000 people murdered within 100 days, averaging to numerous deaths every minute.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The International Community Largely Ignored the Crisis</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the genocide, many nations did not intervene. Media outlets were criticized for treating the genocide as a distant civil war, which many argue contributed to the global inaction.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Women Were Specifically Targeted</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the genocide, Tutsi women were specifically targeted with sexual violence as a weapon of war. These horrific acts caused deep physical and psychological trauma.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Rwandans Were Killed by Their Neighbors</h3><p class='facts-content'>Surprisingly, it wasn't just the military carrying out these atrocities. Often, victims were betrayed and murdered by their own neighbors, incited by the intensity of ethnically-charged propaganda.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rwanda Has Made Significant Progress Post-Genocide</h3><p class='facts-content'>Since the genocide, Rwanda has made incredible strides towards reconciliation, recovery, and development, setting an example for post-conflict societies globally.</p></div></div>
International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda is celebrated on April 7 every year. In 2024, this solemn day will fall on a Sunday.
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Apr 7
Friday
2024
Apr 7
Sunday
2025
Apr 7
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2026
Apr 7
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Apr 7
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