Nairobi

More than 400 guests attended the observance of the 18th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda on 12 April, organized by UNIC Nairobi and the Rwanda High Commission. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Director-General of the UN Office at Nairobi (UNON), Sahle Work Zewde, who presented the UN Secretary-General’s message. Also in attendance was  Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Kenya, Richard Onyonka, who presented a message on behalf of the Minister, and Yamina Karitanyi, Charge d’Affaires of the Rwanda High Commission. An arrangement of white carnations was laid at a table in honor of the victims of the genocide. To symbolize the number of years since the tragedy, 18 candles were lit. Guests who attended the ceremony wrote messages of hope to the people of Rwanda on a white cloth which was placed next to the flowers and the candles. One of the highlights of the observance was a two-and-a-half-kilometre “Walk to Remember”, by guests from the Rwanda High Commission to UNON and back to the High Commission, led by youth from Rwanda. 'Walk to Remember', is an annual event where Rwandan youth march in remembrance and honor of those who died in the 1994 genocide. As a continuation of activities to observe the anniversary, a photo exhibition at the UN complex was officially opened by the UNON Director-General and attended by about 200 UN staff and other guests. In addition, a documentary film entitled “Sweet Dreams”, and other videos were screened. The exhibition is scheduled from 16-23 April 2012.