The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Bujumbura co-organized with the Rwanda Embassy in Burundi a ceremony to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the Rwanda genocide, on 7th April 2013, in Bujumbura.

The commemoration included speeches made by the Ambassador of Rwanda to Burundi, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Burundi, Parfait Onanga Anyanga, and the Minister of Sports and Culture on behalf of the government.

A Prayer from a Pastor followed by a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the genocide, as well as a candle lighting which symbolized the hope of a better future for the Rwanda people were part of the ceremony. Songs of hope and reconciliation were interpreted by the young Rwandese cultural group, “Inganji”.

Over 300 people attended the ceremony, among them, representatives of the Diplomatic corps, members of the Government, representatives of the Political Parties, the Rwandan Community of Burundi, national and international NGOs, members of the parliament, as well as the general public.

UNIC Bujumbura mounted a photo exhibition entitled, “The lessons learned from the Rwanda Genocide” and banderoles with the UN logo from the Communication Programme on the Rwanda Genocide were on display with year’s theme.
 
The commemoration was expected to last up to 13 April 2013. UNIC also planned to screen the documentary “Duhozanye: A community of resilience, hope and dignity" during the week, in addition to conferences and discussions which are scheduled to take place from 8 to 13 April 2013.

In commemoration of the International Day in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, UNIC Bujumbura organized an educational outreach programme at Saint Michel Archange Secondary School in Bujumbura on 28 January 2013. Around two hundred and fifty students participated in the activities which included the screening of the film titled, “The Rescuers”, followed by comments and discussions on lessons learned from the film.
 
UNIC also mounted the photo exhibition titled “The Shoah in Europe”, as well as a set of posters depicting various personal stories underscoring the human values and moral courage of the rescuers.

 A history on anti-Semitism during and before the Second World War was discussed. An emphasis on prevention of conflicts, recommending the students to be vigilant and never support bad ideologies which can lead to genocide. In her concluding remarks, she appreciated the partnership of the UNIC and noted the added value of the educational programme on the Holocaust. She expressed hope that the Rescuers in the above film would inspire the students to have the courage to care and to defend human dignity in the future in order build a better world.

In commemoration of UN Day, a UN4U competition between six secondary schools in Bujumbura was organized by the UN Office in Burundi (BNUB), Genies en Herbe ( a local organization of young intellectuals specializing in organizing scientific competitions among students), with support from the UN Communications Group (UNCG), which provided the questions regarding UN agencies and programmes.

The competition, which was held on 24 October, was on the knowledge of the UN Organization. It took place at the UNIC Bujumbura premises, which saw a gathering of 250 students. Winners were awarded with UN books, dictionaries and electronic equipment.
 
In addition to the competition, later in the day, UNIC Bujumbura collaborated with BNUB, UNCG and the UN Staff Associations in Burundi, to hold an official ceremony with speeches made by the Representative of the UN Staff Associations Federation, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Burundi and a Representative from the Government. The occasion also saw the launch of the MDGs Burundi Report for 2012 by the Principal Economist in UN Development Programme.

Further, cultural dances and songs were performed by a folk group, and UN staff wore traditional attire from their respective countries to celebrate the cultural diversity in the Organization. Around 300 people attended the ceremony including members of the Diplomatic Corps, Government Officials and members from civil society organizations.

The UN System in Burundi and the Ministry of National Solidarity, Human Rights and Gender, got together to commemorate the International Day of Peace under the theme, "Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future". The official ceremonies took place on 21 September, in Nyanzalac commune, Makamba Province, in southern Burundi.

The Chief of Cabinet of the First Vice President of the Republic represented the Government in the celebrations and the speech on behalf of the UN System in Burundi was delivered by the Chief of Staff of the UN Office in Burundi (BINUB). 

A peace march with banners displaying peace slogans was organized by several youth associations in collaboration with primary and secondary schools in Gashoho City. Approximately 3,000 people, including students, members of several youth associations, government officials, international organizations and the public attended the festivities which also included a series of cultural shows.