Statement by Ambassador Jainaba Jagne - Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Gambia to the African Union and Chair of the PSC for the Month of April at the High -Level Event on the 30^th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda Dated 7^th April 2024.

H.E Amb. Mesganu Arga Moach, State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Representing the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

H.E Mr. Musa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission represented by H.E Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission

H.E Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security

H.E Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Charles Karamba, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative of the AU

Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps

H.E Mr. Parfait Onyanga- Ayanga, Special Representative of the Secretary General to AU and Head of United Nations Office to the African Union

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The genocide that occurred in Rwanda in 1994 is one of the most egregious crimes to have ever occurred on African soil in our lifetime. Such a monstrosity and abominable tragedy took a very heavy toll on the Rwandan population. Even after the passing of 30 years, the tragedy and pain of losing more than a million people is still cascading throughout Africa and the world at large. It is for this reason that the AU PSC, at its 1206^th meeting on 4 April 2024, dedicated an Open Session to the Prevention of the Ideology of Hate, Hate Crimes and Genocide.  The session was convened to express solidarity as well as recognize the pain and suffering of all the victims of the genocide in Rwanda. On that occasion, delegations condemned the spread of ideologies of hate, hate crimes, and egregious violations of human rights on the continent perpetrated against populations based on ethnic discrimination, racism, bigotry, xenophobia or related intolerance or any form of ill division.

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we commemorate the 30^th Anniversary of the 1994 genocide under the solemn theme of Kwibuka: remember, unite, renew, we commend the African Union for declaring the 7^th of April as a day to commemorate the anniversary of the genocide, recognize its continuing negative legacy and salute the resilience and courage of the survivors. We must never forget the genocide against the Tutsi people in Rwanda. Due to the ephemeral nature of human memory, it is of immense importance that the remembrance of this day be used as a moment of deep reflection and opportunity to adopt practical strategies to counter bigotry and hate speech. As people of conscience, we must all mobilize and systematically prevent incitement to violence that could lead to genocide, atrocity crimes and hate crimes.

Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

Genocide is a heinous crime that should be prevented, condemned and punished by all sates, big or small. As a responsible member of the comity of nations, The Gambia believes in taking action-oriented steps when it comes to defending and protecting human rights around the world. In view of our recent history as a country whose people suffered egregious and systematic violations of human rights, though we were not under war-like conditions, we felt compelled to institute proceedings against Myanmar in 2017 for failing to fulfil its obligations under the Genocide Convention by refusing to protect members of the Rohingya Muslim minority group in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Myanmar failed to protect its own citizens by committing genocidal acts while the rest of the world chose to look the other way. However, with the announcement of provisional measures against Myanmar by the ICJ, the ruling military junta is now compelled to address the plight of the Rohingya minority. The landmark decision to issue provisional measures against the Myanmar Government under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the “Genocide Convention”) served as a pivotal reference point in the decision by South Africa to bring Israel to justice regarding its ongoing genocidal actions in Gaza. By relying on the provisions of the Genocide Convention, the ICJ has ordered the State of Israel to take measures to protect the people of Gaza. On this occasion, we call on the international community to do more to hold Israel and its agents accountable for the pogrom in Gaza. We cannot afford to be be indifferent.

Excellencies, Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we must all pause to remember not just the genocide in Rwanda but also our own abandonment and betrayal of the victims. We allowed the promise of “Never Again” to be an empty slogan. Despite experiencing such a horrendous human tragedy, we are reminded that Rwanda’s arduous journey of recovery and healing is not only legendary but serves as a remarkable beacon that that with resilience societal redemption is possible. The Rwandese people have shown that the human spirit can victoriously triumph where genuine political will exists. In their rebuilding efforts, including the restructuration of Rwandan national identity, the Government admirably succeeded in unifying the society and eventually attained national reconciliation – a major feat in nation-building. Promoting mutual trust, tolerance and respect with a view to inculcating a culture of living together in peace and good neighborliness anchored on shared African values, and the philosophy of Ubuntu, are imperative if we are to build inclusive communities and societies. Inclusive societies must be purposefully created and nurtured over time.

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we join the rest of the world in reaffirming our collective responsibility for eradicating   the scourges of hate ideology and hate crimes which continue to pose significant threats to peace and stability across the African continent and beyond, we call upon all states to be vigilant and reject every form of hate mongering, sectarianism, and bigotry. Avoiding mass atrocity crimes like genocide require a collective commitment and a whole-of-society approach to ensuring human security and respect for human rights, democracy, and the entrenchment of the rule of law.

Moreover, the prevention of atrocity crimes such as genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity remains an enduring challenge. The gender dimension of violent conflicts, especially, the vulnerability of women and children during such conflicts often gets exploited by combatants. Perpetrators of gender-based violence, including rape and sexual violence, which often go unpunished in genocidal conflicts, should be held accountable. Impunity is not an option. The prevention and resolution of conflicts, and the search for durable peace, must therefore always include women, at all levels. Women survivors are not only victims but also the repositories of important information on recognizing and preventing atrocity crimes which can be achieved with more women at the front and center of conflict mediation efforts.

By commemorating this day, we are not only reminded of the horrors of genocide, but we are equally presented with an opportunity to preserve and keep alive the memories of those who lived such horrendous experience and callous disregard for human life. We cannot let our guard down as we continue to witness an alarming uptick in hate speech around the world, often with grave implications for societal cohesion. Hate speech has been identified as a common precursor to the onset of atrocity crimes including genocide. It is therefore incumbent on all states, as duty bearers, to formulate a clear, common and concrete approach to addressing and countering hate speech. Such a strategy must be one that is coherent, comprehensive and coordinated through a system-wide approach to protect fundamental human rights and freedoms across the world.

I thank you for your kind attention!