For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 7, 2004
Statement by the President on 1994 Rwanda Genocide
Statement by the President
Ten years ago today, the world witnessed the beginning of one of the
most horrific episodes of the twentieth century, the 1994 Rwanda
Genocide. A 100-day campaign waged by Hutu extremists tore Rwanda
apart and resulted in the murder of at least 800,000 Tutsi men, women,
and children, as well as many moderate Hutus. This genocide also
included systematic rape and sexual violence against countless Tutsi
women and the orphaning of thousands of children.
The United States supports the people of Rwanda as they commemorate
this horrific chapter in history. We urge all states, particularly
those in the region, to work with Rwanda and the International Criminal
Tribunal for Rwanda to bring to justice those responsible for the
genocide and to repatriate the thousands of displaced Rwandans. We
also urge the international community to assist the survivors of that
great crime as they continue to heal. The United States will continue
to assist Rwanda in the unification of families, the providing of
scholarships, the combating of HIV/AIDS, and the promotion of the rule
of law.
The United States joins Rwanda and members of the global community
in this day of reflection.
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