The UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Chaloka Beyani, said the international community turned a blind eye to clear warnings and failed to act during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Addressing an international conference on genocide prevention, Beyani noted that the UN and other global organizations largely ignored Rwanda as the genocide unfolded. He highlighted early signs, including public calls by Leo Mugesera urging the killing of Tutsi, which were dismissed by world powers.
“International organizations, including the UN, had evidence that genocide was imminent, yet no action was taken. Despite knowing, the Genocide against the Tutsi occurred,” Beyani said.
He added that this inaction shaped the UN’s approach over the past 32 years, prompting the creation of offices and frameworks dedicated to preventing future genocides.
During the 100 days of the 1994 genocide, over one million Tutsi were killed while the world largely stood by. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged all nations to learn from this tragedy and act decisively to prevent similar atrocities.
