On Thursday evening, April 24, Lithuania hosted its inaugural Kwibuka30 commemorative ceremony in Vilnius, marking the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to the Republic of Lithuania, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and the Genocide and Resistance Research Centre of Lithuania, the ceremony aimed to honor the memory of the victims and pay tribute to survivors.
Held at the Memorial Complex of Tuskulėnai Peace Park in Vilnius, the solemn occasion saw the participation of distinguished guests, including representatives from the Lithuanian government, the diplomatic community, and Rwandan nationals residing in Lithuania.
The ceremony commenced with a symbolic gesture as Dr. Arūnas Bubnys, General Director of the Lithuanian Genocide and Resistance Research Center, Mr. Vytautas Pinkus, Head of the Global Affairs Group of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of Rwanda to Lithuania (residing in The Hague), and Professor Justinas Žilinskas of the University of Vilnius, lit candles in remembrance of the victims.
Following the lighting of candles, a moment of silence was observed in honor of those who lost their lives during the genocide.
The program included a series of speeches and presentations aimed at educating attendees about the genocide and its impact. Mr. Arunas Bubnys delivered welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of remembering and acknowledging historical tragedies to prevent their recurrence.
Ambassador Vytautas Pinkus delivered a poignant speech underscoring the significance of the commemoration and the necessity of international solidarity in combating genocide.
A short video screening provided additional context and insight into the historical background of the genocide, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the atrocities committed.
Freddy Mutanguha, CEO of the Aegis Trust and Director of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on the profound impact of the genocide and the importance of preserving the memory of the victims.
Professor Justinas Žilinskas of the University of Vilnius provided an academic perspective on the legal term “genocide,” elucidating its implications and significance within the framework of international law.
A recorded speech by Professor Robert van Voren, Executive Director of the Andrei Sakharov Research Center for Democratic Development in Lithuania, offered additional insights into the global response to the genocide and the lessons learned from the tragedy.
Ambassador Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe expressed gratitude for Lithuania’s inaugural commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi, emphasizing the theme of “Remember – Unite – Renew” and calling for increased awareness and education about the genocide to prevent future atrocities.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Nduhungirehe thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and the Genocide and Resistance Research Centre for their collaboration in organizing the event, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in commemorating and preventing genocide.
The Kwibuka30 commemorative ceremony served as a solemn reminder of the need to remember, honor, and learn from the past to build a more peaceful and inclusive future for all.
