Survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi to share his experience in online event
25 January 2024
Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Good Relations team are hosting a special public online event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and Kwibuka 30. It is one of a number of initiatives within the City and District to mark the Holocaust Memorial Day and commemorate all those affected by genocide, Council building’s will also be illuminated in purple in remembrance. The commemoration event will hear from Eric Murangwa Eugene MBE, a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The Holocaust Memorial Trust host the International Memorial Day every year on 27th January, the date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. “This is a period of the year where we remember all the victims of the devastating tragedy that occurred in the Holocaust and victims of genocide all over the world,” said Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Patricia Logue. “I am proud to light Council buildings in purple alongside iconic world buildings to remember all those who lost their lives due to genocide and promote peace and respect for difference. “As civic leaders we have a responsibility to do all we can to improve community relations and take a stand against prejudice and hatred in all its forms so that the genocide experienced all over the globe becomes confined to the history books. “I am looking forward to hearing from Eric Murangwa Eugene MBE and the inspirational work that he has done to promote world peace following his own harrowing experience of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.” Eric Murangwa Eugene MBE is a former Rwandan international footballer and a genocide education campaigner, Eric has developed a strong belief that sport, and in particular football as well as storytelling, has the power to influence society and has an important role to play in the reconciliation process and in promoting peace. He and his immediate family survived the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in part thanks to the courage and humanity shown by his teammates, Eric became convinced that sport and storytelling has the power to influence society and to be a positive force for social change. In 2015 Eric co-founded Ishami Foundation which draws on genocide survivors’ experiences to connect us all to our common humanity through sport and storytelling in Rwanda and the UK. Its vision is to promote equality, diversity and lasting peace, and to teach young people to become engaged and responsible citizens, respectful of each other’s differences. A Council spokesperson said the online event will offer a unique first-hand account of the horrifying events in Rwanda. “Through his personal story, Eric will share his experiences, resilience, and his views on the importance of remembrance. “This event is a unique opportunity to gain insight into one of the darkest periods in history and learn from a remarkable individual who has overcome immense adversity.” Research conducted by the Rwandan Ministry of local government in 2002 revealed that 1,074,017 people were killed during the Genocide of whom 93.7% were Tutsi. The online commemoration event will be held on Tuesday 30th January 2024 at 7.30pm, you can register your interest to attend by e mailing [email protected].