 United Nations staff, religious leaders and members of the diplomatic community on Thursday gathered at the UN office in Nairobi to mark the International Day of Reflection for victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide. “Preventing genocide is a collective and individual responsibility. Everyone has a role to play: Governments, the media, civil society organizations, religious groups, and each and every one of us. Let us build a global partnership against genocide,” said UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon. In a statement read on his behalf by UN-HABITAT Executive Director, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, he added: “ Let us protect populations from genocide when their own Government cannot or will not.” Mr. Ban said that on this 13th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda, two messages should be paramount – “First, never forget. Second, never stop working to prevent genocide.” The Rwandan Ambassador, Mr. William Kayonga, also addressed the gathering and said the world needs to focus its attention to the ongoing suffering of the genocide survivors. This he said can be achieved through caring for the survivors and helping bring the perpetrators to justice. |
