Melbourne: Kwibuka32, Stories of Memory and Lessons from History

Rwandans and friends of Rwanda gathered in Melbourne to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi, calling for continued remembrance, education, and the commitment of “Never Again.” At the Melbourne Holocaust Museum in Elsternwick on 28 June 2026, Rwandans living in Australia, friends of Rwanda, community leaders, and guests gathered for a commemoration event marking the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The event featured speeches, survivor testimonies, a documentary screening, and reflections focused on preserving history, honouring victims, and ensuring that such atrocities never happen again. The ceremony was led by Elly Brooks, who guided the programme and highlighted the importance of remembrance and education in fighting hatred, discrimination, and the ideologies that can lead to genocide. Speaking at the event, Frida Umuhoza, President of Ibuka Australia, emphasized the responsibility to continue remembering the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi and to preserve survivors’ testimonies. She noted that remembrance is not only about looking back at a painful history but also about building a future based on truth, unity, and reconciliation. One of the most powerful moments of the event was the testimony of Janviere Dusabimana, a genocide survivor. She shared the story of her family from Kaduha Sector in Southern Rwanda, where she lost her parents and six siblings during the Genocide against the Tutsi. Her testimony reflected the suffering experienced by thousands of families who lost loved ones, while also showing the strength and resilience of survivors who continue to share their stories and protect the truth of what happened. The documentary presented during the commemoration gave attendees an opportunity to hear personal stories and reflect on the consequences of genocide, while emphasizing the importance of remembering and educating future generations. Dr Daniel Haumschild also shared a message focused on the importance of learning from history and standing against hatred and discrimination. His remarks highlighted the responsibility of individuals and communities to prevent atrocities from happening again. In his message, Mr Michael Roux highlighted the value of remembrance and the importance of supporting efforts that preserve the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi. He emphasized that remembering is also a commitment to peace, humanity, and a better future. Representing High Commissioner Innocent B. Muhizi of Rwanda to Singapore, Ornella Kayitesi delivered a message emphasizing the importance of the global commitment of “Never Again.” She stressed that remembrance is not only about reflecting on the past but also about protecting the truth and rejecting genocide denial. The Melbourne Kwibuka32 commemoration left a powerful message among participants: that the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi must continue to be taught, survivors’ voices must continue to be heard, and the world must remain committed to ensuring that the tragedies of 1994 never happen again. Kwibuka32 in Melbourne became a moment where history, survivor voices, and the responsibility for the future came together.