Regional
UN chief calls for fight against hate driven movements
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 27th 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