A twilight ceremony to mark the 15th anniversary of the Rwanda genocide was held on 7 April 2009, at the Peace Gardens, beside the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, in Canberra. The program included the reading of testimonies of Rwandan genocide survivors, poems by local writers and a formal reading of the Secretary-General’s message.
The commemoration began with the master of ceremonies, a representative from Amnesty International Australia, introducing the Acting Director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Canberra, who then read the Secretary-General’s message.
Miss Zarmina Nasir, an aid worker who had witnessed many atrocities, followed by reading a heart-rending testimony by Uyisenga, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide. Mr. Max Taranhike, a Zimbabwean poet based in Canberra, then read a poem he had composed in honour of the Rwandan genocide victims and survivors , a poem which focused on the violence perpetrated against women and children.
To conclude the ceremony, a poem of recovery and peace was read by Miss Kathy Ragless, the Director of Companion House, an organisation which provides services and support to adults and children who have sought refuge in Australia from persecution, torture and war related trauma. The poem came from a book of poems written by refugees and published by Companion House.
The ceremony was held by candlelight and conducted inside the pagoda within the park. All readings were followed by cello recitals by Mr. David Pereira, one of Australia’s most accomplished cellists, the sounds of which echoed across the lake.
The commemoration was held to remind everyone that the victims of the Rwandan genocide still face many challenges today and it is hoped that the testimonies from survivors will teach the lessons of genocide in order to help prevent similar acts in the future.
The ceremony was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, university students and members of the multicultural community and Amnesty International. It was organised by UNIC Canberra in collaboration with Amnesty International and with support from the Mon Community in Canberra.
Attendees at the commemoration