INTERNATIONAL DAYGENERAL

International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda

Every year on April 7, the world pauses to remember the victims of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. The International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda is a United Nations observance held every April 7, the date the genocide began. It honors the memory of those who were killed, stands with the survivors, and calls on every nation to confront hatred before it becomes violence. This is a day for quiet remembrance, honest learning, and a renewed promise that such horror must never happen again.

APR7
Wednesday, April 7Every year on April 7
 days to go
Roots
Established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 23, 2003, and renamed in January 2018 to the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
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#InternationalDayOfReflectionOnThe1994GenocideInRwanda
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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Light a Candle at Home

Light a candle on the evening of April 7 and observe a minute of silence for the victims, then read a survivor's testimony.

WITH FRIENDS

Learn Together

Gather friends to watch a documentary or explore a virtual exhibit about the genocide, then discuss the warning signs of hatred.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Support Remembrance Education

Attend a local commemoration, donate to a genocide education or survivor support organization, and speak up against denial and hate speech.

Plan ahead

International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda is observed on April 7 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Tue, Apr 7this year
2027Wed, Apr 7
2028Fri, Apr 7
2029Sat, Apr 7
2030Sun, Apr 7
2031Mon, Apr 7
2032Wed, Apr 7
2033Thu, Apr 7
2034Fri, Apr 7
2035Sat, Apr 7
2036Mon, Apr 7

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Fast facts

An estimated 800,000 Rwandans, most of them Tutsis together with moderate Hutus and others who opposed the killing, were murdered in about 100 days.
Observe a moment of silence, learn a survivor's story, and speak out against genocide denial and hate speech in your own community.

Keep the party going

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