By: Dionísio Babo Soares*
This year, we mark 30 years since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda; we are compelled to reflect deeply on the enduring impact of this horrific chapter in human history. Over 100 days, more than 800,000 lives—primarily those of the Tutsi minority—were brutally taken in an orchestrated campaign of violence and dehumanization. Though three decades have passed, the scars of this tragedy remain etched not only in the collective memory of Rwanda but also in the conscience of humanity.
The genocide against the Tutsi serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of indifference and inaction. The world witnessed the atrocities, yet international actors largely failed to intervene. The question of accountability weighs heavily: Who was at fault for not taking action?
The international community, particularly the United Nations, faced widespread criticism for its response—or lack thereof—to the genocide. The UN’s peacekeeping force in Rwanda, UNAMIR (United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda), was hamstrung by a limited mandate and a lack of resources. Despite commanders’ warnings, urgent pleas for reinforcements and expanded authority were ignored.
Moreover, many of the world’s most powerful nations turned a blind eye. Bureaucratic hesitations, geopolitical calculations, and an overall reluctance to engage in what was dismissed as “an internal conflict” delayed meaningful intervention. In hindsight, the international community’s inaction amounted to a catastrophic failure to uphold the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
In commemorating this solemn anniversary, we must collectively ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. This begins with an honest reckoning of past failures and a renewed dedication to protecting universal human rights. The principle of Responsibility to Protect (R2P), adopted by the UN in the years following the genocide, must be upheld not just in rhetoric but in action. It demands that the international community act decisively to prevent and halt atrocities wherever they occur.
Education also plays a critical role. By teaching future generations about the horrors of the genocide, we honor the memory of the victims and cultivate a global culture of vigilance against hatred, division, and violence.
Rwanda’s journey over the past 30 years has been one of remarkable resilience. Through reconciliation efforts, inclusive governance, and socioeconomic development, the nation has worked tirelessly to heal the wounds of its past. Yet, the world must remain vigilant in supporting Rwanda’s efforts and addressing the root causes of such conflicts globally—be it ethnic tension, systemic discrimination, or inequality.
Let this commemoration serve as a reminder that the promise of “never again” rests on collective action. Together, we must uphold the sanctity of human rights, honor our shared humanity, and ensure that the lessons of the past guide our actions for a better future. The lives lost in 1994 compelled us to confront our moral responsibility and work tirelessly to safeguard the dignity and rights of all people by the UN Charter and international conventions.
In remembering the genocide against the Tutsi, let us not only grieve but also commit to building a world where such atrocities are inconceivable. To fail in this endeavor would be to fail humanity itself.
Personal opinion and does not bind the institutions the author represents.
