Rwandans living in Finland and their friends gathered for the inauguration of the Memorial Symbol for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The monument, built in the city of Vantaa, is the first of its kind in Northern Europe.
The President of Ibuka Finland, Michel Nshimiyimana, sincerely thanked the City of Vantaa and its residents for understanding the depth of the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi and recognizing the importance of having a memorial, taking a firm stand by supporting it.
He explained that the memorial is not merely a structure, but a sacred space where Rwandans living in Finland can gather to pay respects to the victims, where children can learn about Rwanda’s history, and where both residents and visitors to Finland can discover the truth about Rwanda’s past.
The Mayor of Vantaa, Westlin Henry, emphasized that remembrance is vital in human life. He stated, “Forgetting may lead to repetition, while remembering helps fight hatred and discrimination.”
He added that this Genocide memorial is a powerful message of solidarity with the people of Rwanda and the world in denouncing genocide and preventing its recurrence.
Westlin Henry emphasized the hope that both the Finnish people and visitors will see this memorial as a symbol of unshakable commitment to defending human rights and justice.
The Ambassador of Rwanda to the Nordic countries, Dr. Diane Gashumba, expressed her gratitude to the people and leadership of Vantaa who took the time to understand the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi and pledged to stand with Rwanda and the global community in honoring the truth and the victims.
She noted that the Memorial is a place of healing that helps Genocide survivors feel close to their loved ones, pay them due respect, and also educates the world about the truth of what happened in Rwanda.
This memorial project was accomplished through the collaboration of Ibuka Finland, the Embassy of Rwanda in the Nordic countries, the Rwandan Diaspora in Finland, and the City of Vantaa.
After the inauguration, about 250 participants continued with commemorative discussions and events in Helsinki to remember the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
