On April 7^th 2022, Rwanda and the world marked the 28th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The commemoration period, commonly referred to as Kwibuka (the Kinyarwanda word for remembrance), is an opportunity to pay homage to the victims as well as reflect on the transformational journey that Rwanda has been on for the last 28 years.

The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in the Netherlands started the 28^th commemoration program on April the 7th in The Hague. Ambassador Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe hosted the official Kwibuka28 commemoration at the MarriottHotel in The Hague.

Themed “Remember – Unite – Renew”, the commemoration was an occasion for Rwandans from all walks of life to pay tribute to the more than million innocent lives lost.

Program:

• Introduction by Mr. Pascal Murasira, Master of Ceremony

• Lighting of Urumuri Rutazima, the never-ending light of hope (by the four speakers)

• Minute of silence

• Welcome remarks by Mrs. Saskia Bruines, Deputy Mayor of The Hague. Click here to read her speech.

• Remarks by Mrs. Christine Safari, Chairperson of IBUKA-Netherlands. Click here to read her speech.

• Video of the testimony by Mrs. Immaculée Mukamuhirwa, Genocide survivor.

• Remarks by Mrs. Kitty van der Heijden, Director General for International Cooperation in the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Click here to read her speech.

• Keynote address by Mr. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Click here to read his speech.

Click here for the photo album on Flickr.

Kwibuka28 Events in the Netherlands

The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in The Hague invites everyone to be part of a global community, to share the story of the genocide and create a powerful voice for the world to hear. As a new generation emerges we will ensure the lives of those lost are remembered through our actions today. Kwibuka28 calls on the global community to stand together against genocide:

7 April 2022: Official Commemorative Ceremony

10:45-12:00 Marriott Hotel - The Hague

8 April 2022 – Walk to Remember & Night Vigil

WALK TO REMEMBER starts at the Laan van Reagan and Gorbatsjov in The Hague.

16:30-17:00 Arrival and preparation of walk to remember.

17:00-17:30 Walk to remember from Laan van Reagan and Gorbatsjov to church of Our Savior

NIGHT VIGIL at Church of our Savior, Bezuidenhoutseweg 157, The Hague.

17:30-18:00 Welcoming guests & taking seats

18:00-19:30 Dinner and refreshments served

19:30-19:35 Introduction by MC. Mr. Claude NDABARASA

19:35-19:45 A prayer by Mr. Innocent IRADUKUNDA

19:45-20:15 Speech IBUKA Chairperson Mrs. Christine SAFARI

20:15-20:45 Testimony

20:45-21:45 Open discussion moderated by Ms. Sandra UWASE

21:45-22:15 Speech by Ambassador Olivier Jean Patrick NDUHUNGIREHE

22:15-23.30 Kwibuka lighting candles and photo projections

23:30 End of the program

Join Rwanda in Kwibuka activities. Follow @KwibukaRwanda for updated information on #Kwibuka28.