Outreach Programme on the 1994 Genocide against
the Tutsi in Rwanda and the United Nations

Annual Commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda Annual Commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda
Annual Commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Pictured front row (left to right): H.E. Mrs. Valentine Rugwabiza (Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to the UN), Mrs. Esther Mujawayo-Keiner (Therapist & activist, Co-founder of Association of Widows of April’s Genocide, Survivor of the 1994 Genocide), H.E. Mr. António Guterres (UN Secretary-General), H.E. Mr. Paul Kagame (President of the Republic of Rwanda), H.E. Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés (President of the UN General Assembly). © UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

7 April marks the start of the 1994 genocide

Every year, on or around that date, the United Nations organizes commemorative events at its Headquarters and at UN offices around the world.

Day of Reflection

December 23rd
2003

International Day of Reflection Established

The United Nations General Assembly adopts resolution A/RES/58/234 designating 7 April as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda and encourages "all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and other relevant international organizations, as well as civil society organizations, to observe the International Day, including special observances and activities in memory of the victims of the genocide in Rwanda."

January 26th
2018

Title of the Annual Observance Amended

The United Nations General Assembly adopts draft resolution A/72/L.31, designating 7 April as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. It also recalls that during 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, Hutu and others who opposed it were also killed.

April 20th
2020

Title of the Outreach Programme Modified

The United Nations General Assembly requests, in its resolution A/RES/74/273, that the Secretary-General modify the title of the outreach programme to "outreach programme on the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the United Nations" and to take measures to mobilize civil society for remembrance and education in the context of the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, in order to help prevent future acts of genocide.

April 7th

Commemorative Events

The date, 7 April, marks the start of the 1994 genocide which lasted for the 100-day period to mid-July 1994.

Every year, on or around that date, the United Nations organizes commemorative events at its Headquarters in New York and at United Nations offices around the world.

April and July —
Rwanda Public Holidays Mourning the Genocide

Rwanda has two public holidays mourning the genocide. The national mourning period begins with Kwibuka (Remembrance), the national commemoration, on 7 April and concludes with Liberation Day on 4 July.