Washington DC – Multnomah County in the U.S. state of Oregon has officially proclaimed April 7 as the annual Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, reaffirming its commitment to preserving historical truth, honoring the victims and survivors, and promoting education aimed at preventing future atrocities. Proclamation No. 74, signed on July 1, 2026, represents a significant expression of solidarity with the Rwandan community in Oregon while reinforcing the county’s broader commitment to human rights, inclusion, and the rejection of genocide denial and historical distortion.
The proclamation recognizes April 7 as the date designated by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda. It recalls the beginning of the 100-day genocide, during which more than one million innocent people were systematically murdered. The county notes that the genocide has been formally recognized by the United Nations, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the African Union, and survivor communities around the world as one of the darkest chapters in modern history.
County leaders emphasize the significance of Kwibuka, the Kinyarwanda word meaning “to remember,” noting that remembrance is not only about honoring those who lost their lives but also about encouraging societies to reflect on history, strengthen commitments to truth and justice, promote resilience through education, and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. The proclamation stresses that preserving historical truth is essential in confronting genocide denial, distortion, and revisionism, all of which continue to affect survivors and threaten the integrity of historical memory. According to the county, commemorating the genocide also advances public awareness, social justice, and respect for human dignity.
The proclamation further warns against the dangers of silence, prejudice, discrimination, dehumanization, and indifference in the face of injustice. It affirms that remembering the genocide reinforces the shared responsibility of individuals and communities to oppose hatred, racism, xenophobia, ethnic violence, and all forms of discrimination while defending universal human rights. County officials also recognize the valuable contributions of the Rwandan community to Multnomah County through cultural enrichment, education, economic participation, and civic engagement, highlighting the community’s resilience and continued role in strengthening local society.
The document underscores that societies must learn from the devastating consequences that arise when governments mobilize citizens against a segment of their own population and systematically strip them of their fundamental rights. County leaders affirm that the lessons of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi should remain an enduring part of collective memory to help prevent future atrocities and protect vulnerable communities. They also pay tribute to the courage and resilience of survivors who rebuilt their lives after unimaginable tragedy and continue to promote peace, justice, reconciliation, and inclusion.
With the adoption of Proclamation No. 74, Multnomah County officially designates April 7 as the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda Remembrance Day, to be observed annually throughout the county. The proclamation expresses the county’s support for Oregon’s Rwandan community and reaffirms that remembrance serves as a foundation for education, unity, and the global commitment to ensuring that genocide and crimes against humanity are never repeated. The measure was introduced by Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon, reviewed by Multnomah County Attorney Jenny M. Madkour, and signed by county officials on July 1, 2026.
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During the proclamation ceremony, Chair Jessica Vega Pederson emphasized the importance of remembering the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, honoring the resilience of survivors, and standing together against hatred, discrimination, and genocide. She reaffirmed Multnomah County’s commitment to truth, human rights, inclusion, and ensuring that the lessons of history continue to guide future generations.
Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon reflected on the importance of remembrance, healing, and strong community partnerships. He recognized the resilience of the Rwandan community and praised the work of African New Life Ministries in advancing education, reconciliation, and hope for future generations. He reaffirmed his commitment to standing alongside the Rwandan community and ensuring that the memory of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi continues to inspire action against hatred, injustice, and intolerance.
Speaking on behalf of the Oregon Rwandan Community, President Bonus Kayumba expressed gratitude to the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners for adopting what he described as a historic proclamation. He offered special thanks to Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon, the County Board, the Oregon Rwandan Community Executive Committee, and all partners whose collaboration made the proclamation possible. Kayumba highlighted the long-standing partnership between Multnomah County and the Rwandan community through public venues, parks, community services, and civic engagement, describing the proclamation as more than a symbolic document but a lasting commitment to truth, remembrance, justice, and opposition to genocide denial. He also noted that Multnomah County is the first county in Oregon to officially recognize April 7 in this way and expressed hope that a permanent memorial honoring the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda will one day be established. He further encouraged continued awareness of violence affecting Tutsi civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The ceremony concluded with President Bonus Kayumba officially reading Multnomah County Proclamation No. 74, formally proclaiming April 7 as the Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda throughout Multnomah County, reinforcing the county’s commitment to remembrance, education, justice, and the prevention of future atrocities.
