Kigali, 24 April, 2014 – Every District in Rwanda held a commemoration of children during the 20th commemoration of the genocide against Tutsi. The event was to especially remember, grieve and honor these children, while condemning the cruelty of the genocide and giving hope to the new generations. “We remember children who fell victims of the genocide against Tutsi, in many cases, these children who became victims did not even know what was going on, nor able to comprehend the concept of death babies and small children burbling, crying or laughing while parents are hiding with them etc.., thus making all of them easy preys”, said Zaina Nyiramatama/Executive Secretary/NCC, while presiding over the Kwibuaka20 of children organized in Kirehe.

The event aims at generating awareness of the new generation about the evil and consequences of the genocide against Tutsi in order to keep their determination to break away from the darkest part of their country’s past and take their share in building unity and reconciliation. “There are children to be mourned in every village of this country, in all memorial sites, in all mass graves across the territory, in every Tutsi household,, including the toddlers and faceless unborn victims who are likely to be easily forgotten”, added NCC Executive Secretary.

“Looking back brings forward a more vivid picture of the achievements of the last 20 years: the children and youth can thus appreciate and understand the constructive context in which we are growing up, the socioeconomic transformation including education for all, strong institutions and development programs that guarantee the future and give hope to the new generations. By carrying our own “Light”, we realize that the light of remembrance is indeed the light of life and the “never again” will make a greater sense to us”, said Chemus Munyana children representative.

The event to remember children was organized by the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) through the National Commission for Children (NCC) in partnership with the National Commission against Genocide (CNLG). Participants in the event included children in age range of 11 to 24 years as well as parents, local authorities, opinion leaders, faith based organizations leaders, civil society, and private sector.