UN chief calls for fight against hate driven movements

The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, called for a counter against hate-driven movements on the international day of reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

In his message on April 7, the UN Secretary General called for concerted efforts to defeat hate-driven movements in order to avoid a repeat of what happened in 1994.

“Today, around the globe, people are threatened by extremist groups determined on boosting their ranks through social polarization and political and cultural manipulation,” Guterres warned, adding that while the technology and techniques that extremists use are evolving, the “vile messages and rhetoric remain” the same. 

“The dehumanization of communities, misinformation and hate speech are stoking the fires of violence.”

Indeed as Rwanda and the world commemorates for the 27^th time the Genocide against the Tutsi, genocide deniers around the world are forming alliances meant to re-write history, and spreading hate speech and misinformation.

In Europe, an organization like Jambo asbl - based in Belgium - is notoriously known for its and genocide denial and hate propaganda against Rwanda.

Several social media platforms carry content that is likely to stoke violence. The authors are at large and not held accountable for the heinous acts. 

 “We saw what happened in Rwanda in 1994, and we know the horrific consequences when hate is allowed to prevail”, he said, calling on everyone to defend human rights and ensure full respect to all members of society.  

The UN Secretary General further called for building a world guided by human rights and dignity. “On this solemn Day, let us all commit to building a world guided by human rights and dignity for all," he said. 

Guterres noted that after Rwanda experienced one of the most painful chapters in modern history, the people of Rwanda “rebuilt from the ashes.”

“After suffering unspeakable gender-based violence and discrimination, Rwanda’s women now hold more than 60 per cent of parliamentary seats – making Rwanda a world leader”, he added, noting also Rwandan’s display of the “power” of justice and reconciliation