H.E Yamina Karitanyi Rwandan Ambassador signs visitor's book
The UN Information Center (UNIC) Nairobi, in collaboration with the Rwanda High Commission, organized the observance of the 19th anniversary of the Rwanda genocide with students from various universities, secondary and primary schools in Kenya under the slogan “Healing, Reconciliation and Reconstruction”.
Prior to the observance, the students participated in essay writing and art work on the topic "imagination of a country with no conflict". This initiative aimed to underline the responsibility of all, including students, on their role in preventing conflict.
In her message, the Director General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Ms Sahle-Work Zewde urged the students to use their knowledge and skills to positively impact their local communities.
In his message presented by Ms Zewde, the UN Secretary-General noted that preventing Genocide is a shared responsibility. “States must uphold their obligations under International law to prevent abuses and protect their populations. Collectively we must go beyond words and effectively safeguard people at risk”, he underlined.
The High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda, Ms Yamina Karitanyi, called on the students to play a role in educating their peers and get involved in conversations on social media to share views and thoughts about genocide.
After the observance at UNON, Ambassadors, High Commissioners and heads of International Organizations attended a church service as part of activities to commemorate the anniversary.
About 400 people attended the activities to commemorate the anniversary in honour of the victims of the genocide.