On Saturday 7 February, the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in The Hague, together with Rwanda community support, hosted the Heroes Day celebration at the Van der Valk Hotel in Breda, bringing together Rwandans living in the Netherlands and Belgium and friends of Rwanda.

In his address Ambassador Lambert Dushimimana underlined Heroes Day as a moment to honour women and men whose courage shaped Rwanda’s history and to reflect on everyday responsibility today. “This day reminds us that staying silent in front of evil is defeat,” he said.

Discussions also highlighted civic responsibility, unity, and development, including Rwanda’s ongoing public health priorities. The Ambassador shared national goals on cervical cancer prevention and care, including targets for 2027 and progress to date, and encouraged diaspora members to continue contributing through ideas, expertise, investment and support for development programmes.

A dedicated youth session supported cultural transmission with activities designed to strengthen Kinyarwanda language learning and engage young participants on Rwandan values and heritage.

The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in The Hague thanks all participants who joined the Heroes Day commemoration in Breda. The exchange reinforced the value of people-to-people ties, intergenerational cultural learning and constructive engagement on shared priorities, including public health awareness and service accessibility.

Click here for the photos taken during the event.