The International Conference on the Prevention of Genocide held on April 8, 2026, in Rwanda was part of the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, known as Kwibuka32. The event took place at the Intare Conference Arena and brought together hundreds of participants, including government officials and policymakers, legislators, scholars, survivors, diplomats and international organizations. The main focus was on strengthening global strategies to prevent genocide, promote unity, and preserve historical truth.
The Honorable Jean-Damascène Bizimana, Minister of MINUBUMWE in his welcome remarks stressed the importance of truth, unity, and accountability in preventing genocide. He highlighted that preserving accurate history is essential in combating denial and distortion, which continue to pose threats globally. He pointed out that genocide ideology often begins with small acts such as discrimination, hate speech, and divisionism, and encouraged especially the youth to take an active role in promoting unity and resisting harmful narratives. The conference reinforced the idea that education, awareness, and civic responsibility are key pillars in building peaceful and resilient societies.
Amb. Dani Dayan, Chairman of the Board of the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem in his address as the as the keynote speaker reminded that genocide does not begin with killings but rather with dangerous ideas and words that strip people of their humanity, and with rhetoric that turns individuals into enemies and separates them.
Dr. James Smith, Founder of AEGIS Trust, who was one of the conference panelists emphasized the importance of using the correct terminology, “the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi” noting that accurately naming the Genocide is a call to action to prevent future atrocities and protect those at risk of genocide ideology, not only to remember the innocent lives lost. He reminded the audience that genocide is an identity crime, and calling it for what it is, helps investigate and expose its roots.
The President of IBUKA, Dr Philibert Gakwenzire, also delivered a moving speech during the conference, focusing on the experiences and ongoing challenges faced by genocide survivors. He emphasized the importance of continued support, remembrance, and justice for victims. He called on both national and international communities to stand against genocide denial and to ensure that survivors’ voices remain central in all discussions about history and reconciliation.
A major highlight of the conference was the speech by Her Excellency Jeannette Kagame, First Lady of Rwanda, who emphasized the importance of remembrance and responsibility. She stated that remembering the genocide is not only about honoring victims but also about safeguarding truth for future generations. She warned that forgetting history creates space for denial and division and called on the international community to remain committed to preventing such tragedies.
In her remarks, paying tribute to IBUKA for its continued support to survivors over the past 30 years, the First Lady praised survivors for their resilience and courage, highlighting that their testimonies are powerful tools in educating the world. She reassured survivors that Rwanda has rebuilt itself into a safe and united nation grounded in shared values and collective responsibility.
In conclusion, the conference held in Rwanda served as a powerful platform for remembrance, dialogue, and action. The speeches by the First Lady, the MINUBUMWE Minister, and the IBUKA President added depth and human perspective to the discussions. Together, they reinforced a shared global message: that preventing genocide requires commitment to truth, unity, and collective responsibility to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
