Events

Commemoration of Families Completely Wiped Out Over 15,000 Tutsi families were completely exterminated during the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, leaving no direct descendants to remember them. Since its inception, this commemoration has been organized in different districts across the country. This year, the commemoration of Families Completely Wiped Out is scheduled for 23rd May 2025. Distinct from previous years—when the event was organized at a single site at the national level—this year the commemoration will be held in each district across the country. IBUKA, in partnership with local authorities, will select one sector and venue in each district to host the event, preferably on the same date. The activity will bring together: 

• Leaders from the district level to the village level
• Survivors
• Members of the general public
• Representatives of IBUKA at the national level
• Guest officials

Criteria for Selecting the Sector and Venue
 
The selection of the sector and venue will be based on the following criteria:
 

1. Availability of a safe and spacious venue, preferably located near a Genocide Memorial Site, to facilitate the Walk to Remember.
2. Presence of a significant number of families who were completely wiped out, based on data compiled by IBUKA.
3. Historical relevance to the preparation and implementation of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, including documented evidence of planning and execution in the selected area.

Key Objectives

• Remember and document families who were completely exterminated.
• Preserve the memory of the genocide and fight genocide ideology.
• Educate the younger generation about the genocide and its consequences.

 

Established on 14 December 1995, IBUKA emerged as a unified voice for survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, defending truth, preserving memory, supporting justice, and restoring dignity. Over the past 30 years, IBUKA has grown into a respected national and global institution leading efforts in remembrance, survivors’ welfare, documentation, prevention of genocide ideology, and intergenerational unity.
 
The year 2025/2026 marks a historic milestone: three decades of resilience, advocacy, and transformation. In collaboration with MINUBUMWE and partners, IBUKA has prepared a comprehensive anniversary program culminating on 5 April 2026, with coordinated activities before, during, and after the main event.

Under the theme “Our Memory, Our Future,” this milestone presents an opportunity to honor the journey of survival, reflect on achievements, empower new generations, reinforce global solidarity, and launch long-term initiatives, such as the Nyanza Memory Preservation Village and the IBUKA Trust Fund. 

  I.  Purpose and Significance Main Purpose To honor IBUKA’s 30-year journey and strengthen intergenerational engagement, community resilience, and global action in safeguarding memory and shaping a future rooted in truth and dignity.
Significance

 Honor survivors and remember victims with respect and unity. 
 Recognize IBUKA’s achievements in justice, memory, and survivor welfare. 
 Prepare and inspire youth as custodians of remembrance and national values. 
 Reinforce international solidarity in confronting genocide ideology and denial. 
 Introduce visionary, sustainable projects for IBUKA’s next decades. 

•  II. Objectives 
•  Main Objective 

To mark 30 years of IBUKA’s mission in remembrance, justice, and survivor support, while charting a long-term vision that strengthens unity and shapes a responsible future. 

•  Specific Objectives 

 Express gratitude to RPF–Inkotanyi and national leadership for ending the Genocide and restoring dignity to survivors. 
 Honor IBUKA’s founders, leaders, and members for their commitment since 1995. 
 Reflect on 30 years of achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
  Strengthen intergenerational continuity and launch sustainable initiatives, ensuring institutional resilience. 

 The Nyanza-Kicukiro Memorial Site marks one of the most tragic events of the genocide, where thousands of Tutsis were abandoned by UN peacekeepers and later massacred. Holding a commemoration here strengthens historical memory and reminds the international community of its responsibility to prevent atrocities. 

 Key Activities: The Nyanza-Kicukiro Memorial Site marks one of the most tragic events of the genocide, where thousands of Tutsis were abandoned by UN peacekeepers and later massacred. Holding a commemoration here strengthens historical memory and reminds the international community of its responsibility to prevent atrocities. A Walk to Remember from ETO-Kicukiro to Nyanza Memorial. Organizing a candlelight vigil and wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the victims. Hosting testimonies from survivors who lived through the events of April 11, 1994. Media coverage and documentation to raise global awareness.