Today, we gather to remember and mourn the 1 million children, women, and men who were killed in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

The overwhelming majority of the victims were Tutsi, alongside Hutu and others who opposed the violence. They were brutally killed in just one 100 days.

We honour their memory.

We stand with the survivors.

We pay tribute to the determination of the Rwandan people to rebuild their communities and country with dignity and hope.

This day is not only about remembrance. It is also a call to action.

The genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda did not happen in a vacuum. It was preceded by hate, racism, division, dehumanization, and indifference.

The international community failed to act in time.

As we remember “with shame” - to quote the UN Secretary General - let this day be a reminder of our shared responsibility to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again.

We know that prevention begins long before violence erupts. It begins with investing in strong institutions, inclusive societies, and equitable access to services and opportunities.

It requires vigilance, and the courage to speak out against hate and racism in all its forms.

Now more than ever - we need that courage.

To say no to hate. To stand up for peace and human rights. To show solidarity.

These are not radical acts. They are at the core of the United Nations mission.

As we reflect today, let us remember and act - including to support the survivors and victims of atrocities conducted as we speak around the world.

Let us carefully listen to the voices of survivors and learn from their process to heal and overcome.

Let us raise our voices for justice, accountability, human rights and peace. For everyone, everywhere.

It is the only way we can build a fairer, more just and peaceful world.

Thank you.