Washington DC – Multnomah County, 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 survivors, and promoting education aimed at preventing future atrocities. The proclamation, signed on July 1, 2026, marks a significant gesture of solidarity with the Rwandan community in Oregon and reflects the county’s broader commitment to human rights, inclusion, and the fight against genocide denial.
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 lives were systematically and deliberately taken. The document notes that this historical tragedy has been recognized internationally by the United Nations, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the African Union, and survivor communities around the world.
County leaders also highlight the significance of Kwibuka, the Kinyarwanda word meaning “to remember,” emphasizing that remembrance serves not only to honor victims but also to encourage societies to reflect on the past, strengthen commitments to truth, resilience, education, and ensure that similar atrocities never happen again. The proclamation stresses that remembering history is essential in confronting genocide denial, distortion, and historical revisionism, all of which continue to affect survivors and threaten historical integrity. According to the county, commemorating the genocide helps promote awareness, social justice, and respect for human dignity.
The document further warns of the dangers of silence, prejudice, discrimination, dehumanization, and indifference toward injustice. It states that remembering the genocide reinforces the responsibility of individuals and communities to speak out against hatred, racism, xenophobia, and ethnic violence while defending universal human rights. County officials also acknowledge the positive contributions of the Rwandan community to Multnomah County through cultural enrichment, education, economic participation, and civic engagement, recognizing their resilience and continued role in strengthening the local community.
The proclamation underscores that societies must learn from the devastating consequences that arise when governments mobilize citizens against a segment of their own population and systematically deprive them of their rights. County leaders affirm that the lessons of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi should remain a permanent part of collective memory to help prevent future acts of mass violence 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 pursue peace, justice, reconciliation, and inclusion.
With the proclamation now adopted, Multnomah County officially declares April 7 as “1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda Remembrance Day” to be observed annually throughout the county. The measure also expresses the county’s deepest support for the Oregon Rwandan community and reinforces the importance of remembrance as a foundation for education, unity, and the global commitment to ensuring that genocide and crimes against humanity are never repeated. The proclamation was submitted by Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon, reviewed by Multnomah County Attorney Jenny M. Madkour, and signed by county officials on July 1, 2026.
