Pelosi Statement on the 15th Anniversary of the Genocide in Rwanda
Pelosi Statement on the 15th Anniversary of the Genocide in Rwanda
Contact:Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. â€" Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the 15th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda:
"Genocide anywhere is a challenge to the fundamental morality of all humanity.
"In Rwanda, we failed to meet that challenge. All of us - the international community and the United States Government did not do enough to stop the genocide, to end the violence, and to save the lives of hundreds of thousands.
"There were many heroes in those very dark days. Brave Rwandans who saved the lives of friends and strangers; international aid workers and human rights organizations who faced terrible danger to save others; many who spoke truth to power.
"As we confront genocide even today, I light a candle in the hopes that we can say 'never again.'"
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April 7, 2009 marks the start of the 15th anniversary of the genocide that occurred in Rwanda where an estimated 800,000 women, men and children were murdered.
This evening in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, an official hundred day commemoration of the genocide will begin. As part of this event, 10,000 candles will be lit to remember the victims and express support for the survivors in the national stadium.
A video of the Speaker lighting a candle in commemoration can be viewed by clicking here.