What: The annual commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda seeks to continuously awaken greater awareness of the African peoples and the international community about the value of life and humanity, and to renew our collective commitment to protect and uphold fundamental human rights. 2025 marks the 31^st commemoration which will make emphasis on the theme "Remember-Unite-Renew".

When: 7^th April 2025: 0930 Hrs EAT.

Where: Nelson Mandela Hall, NCC Building, African Union HQ

Who: The African Union Commission (AUC) through the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Ethiopia and Permanent Mission to the African Union and UNECA, will lead the commemorative activities which will include:

• The Walk to Remember.
• Prayers by the Representative of the Orthodox Community; Muslim Community; Catholic Community; and the Ethiopian Evangelical Church.
• Lighting of the Flame of Remembrance accompanied with a Commemoration Song.
• A Documentary Movie on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
• One Minute of Silence in Memory of the Victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
• Launch of AU Human Right Virtual Memorial: Introduction of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Statements by:

• H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
• H.E. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission
• H.E Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Charles Karamba, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU
• African Union Special Envoy on the Prevention of Genocide and other Mass Atrocities.
• H.E. Mr. Parfait Onanga-Ayanga, SRSG to AU and Head of UNOAU.
• Representative of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Background information.

During a span of one hundred days, 1 million Tutsi were killed in the Genocide in 1994. Since April 7, 2010, as per the decision of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the African Union (AU) has been organizing annual commemoration events.

2025 marks the 31st anniversary of those tragic days, a significant moment to honor the deceased, stand in solidarity with survivors, and join together to prevent such atrocities from occurring ever again. Additionally, it presents an opportunity to gain insights into Rwanda's journey of healing, reconciliation and nation-building.

The commemoration will bring together officials from the African Union Commission, African Union Member States, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, African Union Organs, Regional Economic Communities, Religious Institutions, Human Rights Institutions, Intergovernmental organizations, Civil Society Organizations, UN Agencies, Think Tanks, International Organizations, Schools and Academic Institutions in Ethiopia as well as the Rwandan Community in Addis Ababa.

For more details, visit - Welcome | Virtual African Union Human Right Memorial

You can join the conversation online using hashtags #Kwibuka31 #RememberUniteRenew #NeverAgain

For further information please contact:

Ms. Limi Mohammed |Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, African Union Commission Email: shashlm@africa-union.org

Ms. Tsion Hailemariam |Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, African Union Commission Email: tsionh@africa-union.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org 
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