ADDIS ABABA, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has commemorated the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda with the launch of a virtual memorial, honoring over one million victims.
A special event dubbed "Kwibuka-32," meaning "to remember," was held on Tuesday at the AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, bringing together AU leadership, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organizations and UN agencies, religious leaders, as well as members of the Rwandan community in Ethiopia.
Addressing the commemorative event, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said remembrance obliges action to defend human dignity.
"Never again will organized hatred be allowed to become a political project," he said. "We remember over one million lives lost to hatred, indifference, and inaction. Kwibuka is not only a moment of mourning, but also a call to truth, responsibility, and vigilance."
The event honored the victims and expressed solidarity with the Rwandan genocide survivors, while also reaffirming the African continent's commitment to preventing such threats through the promotion of unity.
It also launched the AU Human Rights Virtual Memorial, featuring an e-room on the genocide against the Tutsi, in partnership with the United Nations Office to the AU.
Rwanda's Permanent Representative to the AU Charles Karamba called for action against hate speech and discrimination.
"The tragedy teaches us that when discrimination and hatred are allowed to grow unchecked, the consequences can be catastrophic," he said. "Let us stand firm against genocide, against hate speech and all forms of discrimination in Africa and in the world at large." ■