April 21, 2010

Statement by the Governor General of Canada
in Kigali, Rwanda, in the presence of President Paul Kagame

KIGALI—In 2004, Canada's Parliament solemnly declared April 7 a day of Remembrance for the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, encouraging all Canadians, as well as the government, to take appropriate steps on that day to commemorate the genocide and to reflect upon its lessons. 

In 2008, Canada, with a government motion reiterated that this genocide was made possible by the indifference and inaction of the international community. The world’s failure to respond adequately to the genocide is a failure in which Canada, as part of the international community, readily acknowledges its fair share of responsibility. 

And so it is with a sense of utmost humility that I express the respects of Canada to all Rwandans who perished, who suffered, and who continue to suffer immeasurable loss in the Rwandan genocide. 

At the same time, we salute the bravery and self-sacrifice demonstrated in the actions of countless Rwandans and many individuals of other nationalities who did all within their personal power to defend the victims.

And so when we mourn the loss of so many Rwandans to the genocide, we also mourn those Canadians and citizens of other countries who perished standing by them. 

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Media Information:
Julie Rocheleau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
jrocheleau@gg.ca