To Rwanda…with love

Between April and June 1994, a highly-orchestrated genocide decimated Rwanda's Tutsi population. One million people were killed in a 100-day massacre (including moderate Hutus who did not agree with the prevailing extremist politics). It was the fastest and most vicious genocide yet recorded in human history. United Nations troops were withdrawn from the country, and international bodies actively refused to intervene.

Ten years on, both the Rwandan and the international community are remembering the events of 1994. The United Nations has declared the 7th April an International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda. Events are taking place worldwide in remembrance of both the victims of the genocide, and of the survivors left to rebuild their country.

In Brighton, rYico (uk) (a Rwandan NGO that works with Rwandan youth) has organized a week of events to raise awareness of Rwanda’s past and current situation. One of rYico’s core values is to celebrate the youth of Rwanda, and the vibrancy shown by them in the face of such adversity. They are keen to ensure that young people in Rwanda are noted for their values and other positive qualities, not for their destitution.