Kigali , 16 June 2014 – “We cannot change our history but we can determine the future. Peace and security is here to stay in Rwanda, however, you children must contribute to it by avoiding any form of discrimination, hate and divisionism”, said Protias Mitali, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports and Culture while officiating at a national event organized to remember hundreds and thousands of children massacred in the genocide against Tutsi.
About 2200 children from primary and secondary schools in Kigali and neighboring Districts were joined by over 100 adults at Petit Stadium- Amahoro to participate in the ‘Kwibuka Abana’ remembering children event, which the government of Rwanda combined with celebration of the Day of African Child (DAC).
The President of National Children’s Forum, Alex Murenzi, said remembering children perished in the genocide is a priority and shows respect to those children killed in the genocide. “It is a pact we have with them because their life was cut short for no reason, they never lived to enjoy their life like we do today or realize their dreams. Also the shows that we children have a responsibility to build better Rwanda we want,” he said.
The role of children in building a better future was also emphasized by Lamin M. Manneh, UN Resident Coordinator. “By carrying your own light, children of Rwanda, you are realising that the Flame of Remembrance is indeed the light of life and of your bright future. You are the hope and inspiration to build a brighter future. You’re able to stand as a new generation living in peace and harmony to become responsible citizens who can take over the good legacy, said Lamin.
He added that should remember while bringing forward a clear picture of the achievements made over the 20 years. “I am sure you are appreciative of the constructive context in which you are growing up, the socio-economic transformation including education for all, strong institutions and development programmes that place high priority on the welfare of children and families and guarantee your future and give hope to the generations to come,” he added.
Monique Nsabanzabaganwa, an expert in ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda Program’, engaged children while explaining the historical background of the genocide in Rwanda, where children were able to ask questions and got instant answers from the leaders. Dominant question reaised by children included why did the genocide happen in Rwanda? Why were children killed in the genocide? Should we expect continuity of peace and security in Rwanda as it is today?
The event started with a Walk to Remember from Chez Lando round-about to Petit Stadium, followed by a minute of silence to honour children killed. Entertainment including Mashirika group, Child Poet from Rulindo District and FAWE Girls performed poems, music dance and drama dedicated to the children killed but also giving hope to children for a brighter future.
When the genocide ended in 1994, over one million people had been murdered, 300,000 of these victims were children. In addition, 95,000 children had been orphaned. Virtually all of Rwandan children witnessed unspeakable horror. Thousands of children were victims of brutality and rape.
For Rwanda, commemoration of children killed in the genocide contributes to the fight against any form of violence towards children, but also gives hope for the realization of children rights including: learning in school; developing healthy attitudes; promoting non-violence; fostering conflict management; and, combating prejudice that marked Rwanda of the past.
The event of Remembering Children built on the National theme titled: “Remember-Unite-Renew”, and was organized by the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) through National Commission for Children (NCC) in partnership with National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) and “Ndi Umunyarwanda National Executive Committee”. Development partners like UNICEF and NGOs engaged in child rights and protection supported the event’s organization.