UN Chief Antonio Guterres Calls for International Action to Stop Genocide and Stop Hate Speech

Global action is needed to stop genocide, stop hate speech, and protect human rights in Rwanda, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), has called for international action to stop hate speech, prevent discord and dissatisfaction from turning into violence, protect human rights, and guarantee accountability in order to prevent a recurrence of the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi.

“Today we mourn the one million children, women, and men slaughtered in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda,” said Guterres in his speech marking the 31st anniversary of the genocide, which was read by Ms. Beatrice Eyong, the United Nations (UN) Women Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS.

There was no sudden outburst of terrible violence that led to this terrible period in human history. Intentional, deliberate, and planned, it included hate speech that propagated lies and dehumanization and fueled division. Tutsis made up the vast majority of the victims, but there were also Hutus and other anti-genocide groups.

As we remember the origins of these crimes, we also need to consider how they relate to our own era. These are polarizing times. The dominant narrative that divides cultures is that of “us” vs “them.” Digital tools are being used as weapons to promote misinformation, fuel division, and inflame hatred.

In light of the horrific experience of the Rwandan genocide, we must take action to prevent hate speech, prevent division and dissatisfaction from turning into violence, protect human rights, and guarantee accountability.

In order to combat online hate and falsehoods, I implore all states to fulfill their commitments under the Global Digital Compact, adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law, and promptly join the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

“On this day of remembrance, let us pledge to be watchful and to collaborate in creating a world of justice and dignity for everyone—in honor of all Rwandan genocide victims and survivors.”

On Monday, in Abuja, Nigeria, to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, urged international collaboration in the fight against genocide ideology in order to avert the recurrence of atrocities akin to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. 

At the gathering, which was organized in collaboration with the Nigerian government and the United Nations in Nigeria and featured the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew,” Bazivamo emphasized that Kwibuka is not just a time for remembering but also a global call to face historical facts, combat denial of genocide, and preserve the dignity of the victims. 

“Remember – Unite – Renew” is the concept that guides our efforts, he stated, as we reflect on the past, fortify our unity, and renew our commitment to a future free from genocide.

Kwabuka, which means “to remember” in Kinyarwanda, is much more than just a memory rite, the ambassador stated. It is an appeal on a national and international level to face historical reality, defend human dignity, and combat revisionism and denial of genocide. 

At this moment, Rwanda is standing alongside the rest of the globe, including our African brothers and sisters and our Nigerian friends, to reiterate that “Never Again” must be more than just a catchphrase. It must serve as a compass.

Through programs like Rwanda’s national reconciliation program and the Gacaca courts, he recognized the vital contributions of genocide survivors, many of whom have used their grief as a catalyst for positive development.

“Despite the magnitude of this challenge, Rwanda’s Government of National Unity, led by H.E. Paul Kagame, made a conscious decision to prioritize reconciliation,” he explained. 

The idea of “Ndi Umunyarwanda”—”I am Rwandan”—became essential to the reconstruction process. It called on all Rwandans to view themselves as one people, bound together in their common past and future, and stressed a collective identity above ethnic boundaries. The foundation of Rwanda’s healing and reconstruction process was this sense of solidarity.

It hasn’t been an easy path. We are appreciative of survivors’ efforts, which have turned their suffering into a catalyst for recovery and progress.

Notwithstanding the notable advancements in Rwanda’s recuperation, the High Commissioner pointed out that difficulties nevertheless exist, especially in light of persistent regional security concerns. 

In addition to bemoaning the fact that genocidal forces are still at work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he expressed alarm about the proliferation of hate speech and propaganda, cautioning that the language used in the run-up to the 1994 genocide was reviving in the area.

Bazivamo called on countries to work together in the battle against the idea of genocide and emphasized the lack of international response to these issues. 

“We are seeing disturbing hate speech, dehumanizing propaganda, and calls for annihilation—language that was used in Rwanda prior to 1994,” he stated. The international response is still dangerously muted despite the fact that thousands have been uprooted.

It’s important to remember that Rwanda previously alerted the world. Ignoring hate comes at too high a cost to be repeated. The entire international community must pay immediate and coordinated attention to this issue; it is not simply Rwanda’s battle.

“This remembrance also forces us to talk clearly about the role of the international community, whose inaction in 1994 cost over a million lives,” he bemoaned.

He demanded a renewed dedication to UN Security Council Resolution 2150 and the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, which both call for the prevention of genocide and the prosecution of those responsible.

Genocide revisionism and denial, which impede Rwanda’s efforts to recover and rebuild, were denounced by the ambassador. 

In order to promote a peaceful and prosperous continent, he emphasized the significance of collaborating with international allies like Nigeria and restated Rwanda’s commitment to opposing the ideology of genocide both domestically and internationally.

Rwanda asks for a renewed commitment to the values embodied in the 1948 UN Genocide Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 2150, the High Commissioner continued. “Today, we observe growing instability in the region.” 

The morality imposed by these tools 

and legal requirement on all states to judge or extradite genocide fugitives, fight genocidal ideology, and make sure that “Never Again” is more than simply a catchphrase.

“We also take note of the persistent endorsement of genocide revisionism and denial in some regions and nations, which is concerning.”

In his speech, he called on participants to remember the deaths, show support for the surviving, and make a commitment to stop the idea of genocide from ever spreading.