Miller calls sets April 7th as day of reflection for Rwanda’s genocide victims

U of T to host three day conference in memory of victims and discussions for unity and reconciliation

by GEORGE KAGAME

Toronto Mayor David Miller has proclaimed April 7, as a Day of Reflection on the Rwandan Genocide and to observe the memory of the victims.

Miller’s message was contained in a press release on Tuesday ahead of a major workshop on the Rwandan genocide organized by the University of Toronto’s New College. The statement reads in part: “Everyone has the right to live in conditions of dignity, respect and peace,” noted Mayor Miller. “We must never forget the untold suffering of the Rwandan people and we must support Toronto’s Rwandan community as they seek to rebuild their lives.”

Beginning on April 6, 1994, it is estimated that one million Rwandans of Tutsi descent were murdered in a government instigated campaign that lasted for 100 days. At the end of the killings, the United Nations’ recognized the murders as a genocide. Two prominent Canadians were part of international efforts to stop the genocide before it escalated. One is the famous UN peacekeeper General Romeo Dalliare and the other is a Nobel Peace prize winner in 1999 with Doctors Without Borders and Annex resident James Orbanski.



On Thursday after 6 pm, Orbanski will also present his account of events in Rwanda during the genocide between April to July 1994. The three day conference, to be held in New College’s William Doo Auditorium 45 Willcocks street at Spadina Ave. Among events organized during the workshop are a candle light vigil for the victims to be led by City Councillor for Ward 14, Gord Perks and live music performance by Rwandan artist the Mighty Popo as well as poetry readings from Patrick Sharangabo Ntare a Rwandan alumni of U of T.

Miller will be represented at the opening ceremony of the workshop by Councillor Gord Perks will present the Mayor’s proclamation at the opening ceremony and candlelight vigil. Perks said of the event: “The Rwandan genocide is a horrendous piece of our world’s history,” said Councillor Perks. “It marks our complete failure collectively and individually to do our duty as members of the human race.”

Perks will be among other key figures to speak at the event including Rwanda’s Ambassador to Canada Edda Mukabagwiza, renown genocide scholars like Jerry Caplan, former Toronto Star Publisher and Summerhill resident John Honderich, Meric Gertler the Arts and Science dean of U of T and Rick Halpern the Principal of New College. Several members of the Rwandan community, some survivors of the genocide living in Toronto will also present their accounts of the genocide and their hopes of the reconstruction of Rwanda. Rwanda’s former Minister of Justice Jean De Dieu Nucyo, will also discuss the theme of justice and reconciliation in Rwanda.

The conference will be the second in a short while to be hosted by the U of T, in March the university hosted another conference titled: “Remembering Rwanda 15: Lessons learned/ Not Learned,” in which several Canadian genocide scholars and activists among whom former federal Justice Minister Irwin Cotler participated.

The conference will also feature other international renowned genocide scholars and activists, students, teachers, members of the Rwandan community, and other members of the general public are invited to attend. For those that will not be able to attend, information on proceedings can be followed on webcasts: www.newcollege.utoronto.ca



NOTES.
Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. 2009 marks the 175th anniversary of Toronto's incorporation as a city. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.