The commemoration in the General Assembly Hall was held to remember the victims and honour the survivors and those who tried to stop the genocide.

Focus was also on young people who have grown up in its shadow, and on countering hate speech which fuelled the killing and has become a growing global concern today. 

100 days of terror 

“The genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda 30 years ago is a stain on our collective consciousness and a brutal reminder of the legacy of colonialism, and the consequences of hate speech,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his opening remarks. 

More than a million people – overwhelmingly Tutsi, but also Hutu and others who opposed the genocide – were slaughtered over 100 days, starting on 7 April 1994. Many were hacked to death with machetes. 

It was a period when “neighbours turned on neighbours, friends became murderous foes, and entire families were wiped out,” Mr. Guterres recalled. 

“The carnage was driven by an explicit intent to destroy members of a group simply because of their ethnic identity,” he said. 

Never again 

The President of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, said the “horror born of a virulent and senseless level of hatred” that engulfed Rwanda three decades ago “should never be allowed to rear its venomous head again in the human conscience and heart.”

He urged people everywhere to learn about the dangerous consequences of hate speech, especially in the era of social media “where unguarded words we utter can spread like wildfire”, as well as the ramification of international inaction in the face of conflict.

“The genocide against the Tutsis had warning signs which were not fully heeded and it unfolded in full view of the global community – which dismally failed Rwanda by not taking swift action to prevent or stop it,” he said. 

“Let us always remember that peace requires an active effort – and most importantly, prevention.” 

Carrying the memories 

Rwandan song writer and author Claver Irakoze was just a child when the unspeakable violence began. His father taught at a secondary school in Kapagyi, located roughly 40 kilometres southwest of the capital, Kigali, and the family sought shelter there. 

Early on the morning of 28 April, soldiers came to the school and took away 61 men, including his father, loading them “like cargo” onto a truck.  

“That was my last time I saw my father,” he said. “I remember him faintly waving good-bye at me, so powerlessly. It is an image that still comes to my mind whenever I think about him.” 

Mr. Irakoze has since written two children’s books to teach lessons of hope and healing. He is also a husband and the father of a boy, 9, and a girl, 11 – the same age he was when the genocide began.

“Our killers wanted us wiped out, but we are here,” he said. “And through us and our children, we carry the memory of those we lost.” 

UNICEF/UNI55086/Press

A 14-year-old Rwandan boy from the town of Nyamata, photographed in June 1994, survived the genocidal massacre by hiding under corpses for two days.

Lighting the way forward 

Rwanda has risen from the ashes “becoming an outstanding example of what is possible when a nation chooses the path of reconciliation and renewal,” said Ernest Rwamucyo, the country’s Ambassador to the UN. 

He paid tribute to Mr. Irakoze and other survivors who illuminate the path to healing and reconciliation.  

“In acknowledging the sacrifices made by survivors, we reaffirm our collective resolve that the lessons of history are never forgotten. Their narratives compel us to redouble our efforts in the pursuits of justice, accountability and peace.” 

Remember. Unite. Renew. 

As part of the commemorative events, the UN Department of Global Communications has mounted an exhibit in the Secretariat lobby – Remember.  Unite.  Renew. – that highlights the power of post-genocide reconciliation, the potentially deadly impact of hate speech and what visitors can do to say #NoToHate. 

At the heart of the exhibit is the story of Laurence Niyonangira, who fled the killings in her community, led by former neighbours following targeted hate speech. She lost 37 family members in the genocide. 

“As survivors, we can only heal our wounds with the people who created them,” she said on the reconciliation process with Xavier Nemeye, one of the men who killed her mother and sister.  

The exhibit includes an interactive panel where visitors can voice their support for tolerance and pledge to speak out against hate speech. 

Miroslav Jenča, an Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav in the UN Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, warned that the escalation is a direct threat to international security.

Affected regions include Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Kharkiv, Odesa, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk.

Deadly trend 

“We are appalled by the increase in civilian casualties as a result of these relentless attacks,” Mr. Jenča said. 

At least 126 civilians were killed and 478 injured in March – a 20 per cent increase over the previous month, according to the UN human rights office, OHCHR.  At least 57 children were killed or injured in March alone, double the number from February. 

The deadly trend has continued this month, with daily drone, missile, rocket and artillery attacks reported across the country. The most recent – carried out overnight and into Thursday morning – targeted energy facilities, with some reportedly resulting in casualties, including fatalities. 

“We are also witnessing hostilities spreading across Ukraine’s borders, with regular cross-border strikes into the Russian Federation,” he added. 

Nuclear fears 

Critical civilian infrastructure has been heavily affected by the escalation in attacks, he continued. 

Since March, more than two dozen energy facilities have been destroyed or damaged, including the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant, disrupting electricity and water supply for millions.   

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest and under Russian occupation since the early days of the war, was directly targeted in military action on Sunday – the first time since November 2022.  Three people were reportedly injured, and subsequent drone attacks were reported on Monday and Tuesday. 

‘A disturbing reminder’ 

The incident was “a disturbing reminder of the serious risks posed by this war”, he said, joining the call by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, for “the immediate cessation of such inexcusable attacks to avoid a major nuclear accident.”  

Mr. Jenča welcomed the renewal of the mandates of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry for the country.  

Stressing the importance of their work to efforts towards accountability, he said the UN continues to urge Russia to fully cooperate and grant both OHCHR and independent monitors access to areas of Ukraine that it occupies. 

A wider threat 

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Jenča underlined the need for peace as “the current trajectory of escalation of this war is a direct threat to regional stability and international security. Most of all, it is an existential threat to the people of Ukraine.” 

He reiterated the UN General Assembly’s call supporting de-escalation and a peaceful resolution of the conflict, as outlined in its resolution adopted last February. 

Situation will worsen 

OHCHR has verified that more than 10,810 civilians have been killed, and more than 20,550 injured, since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, though the actual numbers are likely to be higher. 

Continuing escalation of the hostilities will only worsen the already dire situation for millions in the country, said Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy with the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA. 

More than 14.6 million people, roughly 40 per cent of the population, require some form of humanitarian assistance.  Most, 56 per cent, are women and girls. 

The wave of attacks has also impacted humanitarians as the already challenging operational environment is further affected by more frequent and bigger aerial strikes.

‘Troubling pattern’ 

Ms. Wosornu said recent weeks have also revealed “a particularly troubling pattern in the sequencing of attacks.” 

As first responders or emergency services rush to the scene of attacks, a second wave of strikes target the same location, killing them and the wounded.  

“Attacks directed against the wounded and those helping them are prohibited by international humanitarian law. They are cruel, unconscionable, and must stop,” she said. 

Global food security 

Meanwhile, continuing attacks on the port city of Odesa remain a concern, given their impact on global food security.   

Reiterating that Ukraine’s Black Sea ports are an essential component of the global supply chains for grain and other key agricultural commodities, she warned that attacks could undo progress made in stabilizing grain markets and driving down prices.  

“With staggering levels of food insecurity persisting in parts of the world, safe navigation in the Black Sea and the protection and safe operation of ports and related civilian infrastructure must be assured,” she said. 

Ms. Wosornu upheld humanitarians’ commitment to support the people of Ukraine but stressed the need for more funding.  A $541 million plan for the country this year has so far received just $3.1 billion. 

Revenge strikes: Russia 

The “mass strikes” on Ukraine’s energy facilities in Ukraine were “a response to the Kyiv regime’s attempts to deal a blow to Russia’s oil and gas facilities,” Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia told the Council. 

“We have met our goals,” he continued, noting that “reserves can no longer be sent to where they need to go” and energy supply has been disrupted. 

He said that as in all previous cases, Russia did not threaten the civilian population, “despite assertion to the contrary by the Zelenskyy regime.”

“What is getting in the way of western propaganda mongers are the views of ordinary Ukrainians, who are on social media calling on fellow Ukrainians not to fear Russian high-precision strikes but rather to fear Ukrainian air defences, which have been deployed in residential areas in violation of international humanitarian law,” he added.

Infrastructure deliberately attacked: Ukraine 

Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya said Russia has fired nearly 1,000 missiles, roughly 2,800 Shahed drones, and almost 7,000 guided aerial bombs on Ukrainian cities and villages since the beginning of the year. 

Their total explosive power exceeded nine kilotonnes and only three per cent hit military targets, while 97 per cent struck civilian infrastructure. 

“Russia deliberately targeted the critical energy infrastructure, as we heard today, in particular power generation.  Following the March attacks, 80 per cent of thermal power generation was destroyed,” he reported. 

Hydropower plants also sustained heavy damage, he added, noting that Russia had particularly targeted the Dniester and Kaniv plants “indicating its intention to replicate the catastrophe” caused last June, with the destruction of the Khakova Dam. 

“It should be a common task of the international community, not only Ukraine, to ensure that such large-scale environmental disasters no longer occur in Europe,” he said. 

Dennis Francis convened the UN’s most representative body, comprising all 193 Member States, following the Security Council’s failure to adopt a resolution put forward by the United States last month.  

The debate was triggered by a 2022 Assembly resolution that calls for a meeting to be held within 10 working days whenever a veto is cast in the Council. 

Death, destruction and division 

“Once again, we convene under this initiative as conflict in Gaza rages into its sixth bloody month, as death and destruction rule the day, and as divisions among Member States, especially in the Council, persist,” Mr. Francis said. 

During the Security Council meeting on 22 March, China and Russia vetoed a US draft resolution which stated the “imperative” for “an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides”, facilitating “essential” aid delivery and supporting ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas towards an end to the hostilities, tied to the release of hostages.

Russia, China and the US are permanent members of the 15-member Council, together with France and the United Kingdom, and they all have the right to veto any decision. Non-permanent member Algeria also voted against the resolution. 

Three days later, the Council adopted a different resolution – which many had vowed to support – calling for a ceasefire for the remainder of Ramadan as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Resolution 2728 was drafted by its 10 non-permanent members. 

‘End the bloodshed’ 

Mr. Francis outlined the terrible toll in Gaza, which includes more than 32,500 Palestinians killed, 1.7 million displaced, and over 1.1 million facing a catastrophic level of food insecurity. 

While welcoming resolution 2728, he lamented that “it comes after five painful months of division, bloodshed and unconscionable loss.” 

Noting that Ramadan ends on Tuesday, he implored Security Council members to meaningfully use their power in support of an immediate and lasting ceasefire.

“I urge all those with leverage to do all in their power to end the bloodshed in Gaza now.” he said. 

“Let us see the end of the waiting, including for the peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in line with the two-State solution, as the only credible formula for lasting resolution.” 

United Nations

Dmitry A. Polyanskiy, First Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation, addresses the UN General Assembly plenary meeting on the use of the veto on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

Veto ‘the only correct way’: Russia 

Russian Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyansky said his country and China vetoed the US draft resolution which “not only was not geared towards ending hostilities in Gaza, but which essentially gave Israel carte blanche to continue its inhumane operations which run counter to international humanitarian law”. 

He pointed to the “historic responsibility” that permanent members of the Security Council have regarding the maintenance of international peace and security, saying “it is specifically for this that the veto mechanism exists in order to prevent the pushing through of nefarious and dangerous initiatives” in the chamber.

He said Russia’s decision to veto “was the only correct way” as it allowed for the adoption of the other resolution, “the heart of which was a direct demand for an immediate establishment of a ceasefire for the period of Ramadan, which is to result and lead to a lasting ceasefire.” 

United Nations

Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative Bing Dai of China, addresses the UN General Assembly plenary meeting on the use of the veto on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

Killing would continue: China 

Ambassador Bing Dai of China said its decision to veto was based on the need to uphold international justice, the purposes and dignity of the UN Charter, and the responsibility and authority of the Security Council. 

The grave concerns and strong dissatisfaction of Arab States with the draft resolution were also taken into account. 

He noted that since the start of the war in October, the international community has been overwhelmingly calling for a ceasefire and an end to the fighting, demanding the Security Council take concrete action.  

“However, the United States, as a country with significant influence over the parties concerned, has repeatedly obstructed the Council’s voice on the ceasefire and has vetoed four times against the Council’s efforts to promote an immediate ceasefire,” he said. 

Furthermore, the US draft deviated from the consensus of Council members and ran counter to the expectations of the international community.

“If adopted, it will mean that the killings in Gaza will continue. It will mean that the vicious act of violating international law and international humanitarian law will continue,” he said. “China has no hesitation in exercising its veto against a draft resolution that will have such serious consequences.” 

United Nations

Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, addresses the UN General Assembly plenary meeting on the use of the veto on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

Fully implement resolutions: Palestine 

The Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine, Riyad Mansour, noted that the General Assembly called for a cessation of hostilities 20 days after the start of the conflict on 7 October.

A month later, the Assembly demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, stressing the need to protect civilians and stem what was already a dire humanitarian catastrophe. Meanwhile, the Security Council took nearly six months to do the same. 

“Now these resolutions need to be fully respected and fully implemented so the genocide in Gaza can stop; so families on both sides can reunite in life, not death,” he said.

Highlighting the devastation, he said Israel has besieged, bombed, starved and displaced an entire civilian population. 

“Impunity kills,” he said. “If Israel thought it would be held accountable, it would never have killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, maimed more than 75,000 and destroyed Gaza north to south.” 

Mr. Mansour urged all countries that provide weapons and ammunition to Israel to stop doing so. 

“Stop arming Israel. Stop trading with settlements. Hold accountable those responsible for the massacres, and not the colonization – not only individuals, but those responsible at the highest level, for these illegal and inhumane policies.”

United Nations

Ambassador Gilad Erdan of Israel addresses the UN General Assembly plenary meeting on the use of the veto on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

No condemnation for Hamas: Israel 

Annihilation of the Jews has been the goal of the Palestinians since well before the establishment of the UN or Israel, said the country’s Ambassador, Gilad Erdan. 

While the UN was created in the wake of the Second World War to prevent atrocities such as the Holocaust, “the same genocidal ideology that this body was founded to combat is still prevalent among the Palestinians,” he added. 

Mr. Erdan said the Hamas attacks on 7 October were the most heinous and widespread massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Entire families were wiped out, peaceful communities reduced to ash, Israeli women raped, and over 250 hostages seized and taken to Gaza. 

Yet, the General Assembly was meeting not to condemn Hamas or their atrocities, but because certain Security Council members “refused to even accept a condemnation to child murdering rapists and they vetoed it,” he said. 

“Six months have passed since the massacre and not a single UN body…has even condemned Hamas, and not even one meeting has been dedicated to our hostages. It’s insane,” he remarked.

UN Photo/Mark Garten

Deputy Permanent Representative Robert A. Wood of the United States addresses the UN General Assembly plenary meeting on the use of the veto on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

USA rejects ‘petty politics’ 

Ambassador Robert Wood said the draft US resolution was put forward in good faith and the vast majority of Council members voted in favour of it. 

“Russia and China offered many over-the-top explanations for their obstruction,” he said. “Rather than support diplomacy to release the hostages and secure a ceasefire, they attacked the United States.”  

 Russia and China are not engaged in meaningful diplomacy and only offer lectures, but “worse, they continue to shield Hamas”, he continued.  Furthermore, the claim that the US did not want a ceasefire was untrue.

“There is no doubt: the United States supports a ceasefire. And we know that the way to achieve that is through negotiations to reach an agreement in which hostages are released,” he said, adding that talks are ongoing, brokered by Egypt and Qatar. 

The US draft resolution also called for other critical items, he added.  They included strengthening the mandate of the Senior UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag; opening additional crossings for aid, and immediate measures to fix deconfliction processes as the war has been among the worst in terms of aid workers killed. 

“The United States rejects Russia and China’s decision to play petty politics,” he said. “We will continue efforts to advance peace in the region.”  

He said efforts include remaining at the negotiating table to enable the release of hostages and a ceasefire, providing massive support for humanitarian operations, and continuing to press Israel to take specific steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering and the safety of aid workers.