Media Advisory - Rwandan Diaspora in Canada
Rwandan-Canadians to commemorate 19th anniversary of the genocide against Tutsi; Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo available for interviews
TORONTO, April 8, 2013 /CNW/ - Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo will join Rwandan-Canadians from across Canada at a Toronto event to commemorate the anniversary of the genocide against Tutsi, which started 19 years ago, in 1994, and lasted 100 days. Mushikiwabo will be available for interviews.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 13, 2013, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
WHERE:
Ted Rogers School of Business Management, Ryerson University 575 Bay Street (entrance at 55 Dundas St. West) Toronto, Ontario
WHAT:
Survivor testimonies, prayer, short films and speakers
SPEAKERS:
- Honourable Louise Mushikiwabo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation for Rwanda
- Bill Deluce, Honorary Consul of Rwanda in Toronto
- Dr. Gerry Caplan, Author of Rwanda: The preventable genocide
QUOTE:
"Every year, for the past 19 years, Rwandan-Canadians have gathered to remember the more that one million Tutsi who were murdered by a genocidal regime from April to July 1994. Our community continues to work with fellow Canadians to reflect and learn from this tragic history. We want to help ensure this never happens again, anywhere in the world."
Franco Ntazinda
Chairperson
Rwanda Diaspora in Canada - Toronto Chapter
Backgrounder:
In April 1994, a well-planned and systematic 100-day slaughter of one million Tutsi children, women and men unfolded before our eyes. The world watched in horror—but in stunning silence—as the faces of one million Rwandans floated by in rivers, and as bodies were piled along roadsides, in schools, in churches, and in stadiums. Survivors were left to wonder what had happened and why no one was there to help them.
In the years since this travesty, evidence has emerged that shows policymakers in Europe, the United States and the United Nations were aware of the impending genocide, but made a conscious decision to not intervene. The 19th anniversary of the Genocide against Tutsi provides an opportunity to reflect on the universal goal of preventing genocide, and to use the lessons learned by the people of Rwanda as they continue to work with resilience toward a brighter future.
SOURCE: Rwanda Diaspora in Canada
Or to book interviews, contact Franco Ntazinda ([email protected]) at 647-444-3109
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