:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/7F4VKGVKWZDL5C5R7S6KOZ5M4E.jpg "Rwanda commemorates the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi")
Rwanda Commemorates 30th Anniversary of Tutsi Genocide
Rwanda is marking the 30th anniversary of the 1994 genocide, which saw the brutal extermination of around 800,000 people, primarily Tutsis and moderate Hutus, at the hands of extremist Hutus. The country is remembering the horrific events that unfolded over the course of 100 days, with millions of Rwandans coming together to honor the memory of the victims.
During a ceremony commemorating the anniversary, President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame laid a wreath to pay respects to those who lost their lives. The genocide, which began following the assassination of President Juvenal Habyarimana, left a deep scar on the country and its people.
A recent report by Human Rights Watch highlighted the failure of the international community, including the United Nations and foreign governments, to prevent the massacres. The report pointed to a lack of adequate response and support, as well as complicity in the events that unfolded.
In the years since the genocide, efforts have been made to bring perpetrators to justice, with several high-level individuals facing trials for their role in the atrocities. However, there have been challenges in prosecuting all those responsible, with some alleged masterminds escaping justice.
As Rwanda continues to grapple with the legacy of the genocide, international human rights organizations are calling for expedited trials and greater efforts to hold accountable those who were involved in the mass killings. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has urged countries to redouble their efforts to bring perpetrators to justice and combat hate speech.
On the anniversary of the genocide, dignitaries from around the world are joining Rwandans in commemorating the tragic events. Former US President Bill Clinton and the president of the Czech Republic are among those showing their support for Rwanda and its people as they remember the victims of the genocide.
The commemoration serves as a reminder of the importance of never forgetting the atrocities that took place and the need to continue working towards reconciliation and justice for the victims and their families.