Excellency, Minister of External Relations and International Cooperation,
Excellency, Ambassador of Rwanda to Burundi,
Excellencies, members of the diplomatic and consular corps,
Ladies and Gentlemen, representatives of institutions partnering in Burundi’s development,
Ladies and Gentlemen, representatives of international organizations,
Ladies and Gentlemen, representatives of civil society organizations and the private sector,
Dear colleagues from the United Nations system,
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me first to convey the greetings of the Special Envoy and Head of MENUB to the audience present at this ceremony of commemoration and tribute to the thousands of victims of the genocide that took place 21 years ago in neighboring Rwanda.
Today’s ceremony also reflects the firm commitment of the United Nations and of the international community as a whole to continue the vital work of remembrance and collective memory, which is essential, including for the prevention and fight against all forms of crimes against humanity.
Rather than delivering a speech, I will read the message of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, issued on the occasion of the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda. I quote:
“The International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda is an occasion to honor the memory of more than 800,000 Rwandans – primarily Tutsis, but also moderate Hutus, Twas, and others – who, just over 20 years ago, were systematically massacred in less than three months. It is also an opportunity to pay tribute to the courage of those who survived and to acknowledge their pain.
“Our commemoration of these tragic events is particularly significant this year as we mark the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. We must use this moment to look back at the past and confront today’s challenges with determination, reaffirming our collective resolve to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
“Today, the security of many countries is gravely threatened. People are enduring the brutality of violent conflicts and the indignities of poverty. Discrimination persists, both in war-torn societies and in peaceful democracies. Hatred can take many forms: institutionalized racism, ethnic strife, displays of intolerance, or exclusion. Sometimes discrimination stems from an official version of history that denies the identity of certain groups.
“I am deeply saddened by the conflicts and criminal atrocities that continue, in many regions of the world, to divide communities, kill and displace people, shake economies, and destroy cultural heritage.
“Our first priority must be to prevent such situations and protect people in distress. My Human Rights Up Front initiative aims to prevent serious human rights violations by acting at the first signs of risk. My Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and my Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect are working to advance national and international efforts to protect populations from atrocity crimes. Our goal is to take swift and decisive action to save lives and end violations.
“On this day, I call on the international community not just to talk about atrocity crimes but to take the necessary measures to prevent them in a timely manner. I urge everyone to find the courage to act before a situation deteriorates, as this is our collective moral responsibility. It is essential to maintaining international peace and security.
“As I said last year at the commemoration ceremony in Kigali, we must show ‘Umuganda’ – in other words, join our forces in a common cause – to prevent what can be prevented and to fight acts of cruelty committed before our eyes.”
End of quote.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On this symbolic day, I would like to conclude by reiterating the appeal of the United Nations Secretary-General addressed to each of us – men, women, political leaders, civil society, community leaders, media, youth, and others – to raise awareness of our individual roles and responsibilities in preventing violence and atrocity crimes, with a view to maintaining international peace and security.
I thank you for your attention.