In Remembrance

3 decades of Memory, Hope, and Healing

Welcome to our memorial website, dedicated to honoring the lives lost and supporting the survivors and families affected by the tragic events of twenty years ago.

We gather not only to remember, but to ensure that their stories continue to inspire compassion, understanding, and positive change in our world.

This sacred space serves as both a tribute to those we have lost and a beacon of hope for a more peaceful future, as we renew our commitment to "Never Again."

Memorial Candle

2025 Commemoration Event

Annual Comemoration

05th July 2025

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Cathedral of St Stephen, Brisbane

01:00 PM - 4:00 PM

QLD Parliament

Join us for a solemn event of remembrance featuring survivor testimonies, candlelight vigil, and the reading of victims' names.

Event Program

  • 2:00 PM : Acknowledgement of Country

    Welcome to the country by indiginous

  • 2:05 PM : National Anthems (Australia and Rwanda)

  • 2:10 PM : Welcome Speech

  • 2:40 PM : Candle lighting

    Personal stories from those who lived through the events

  • 3:00 PM : Intergeneration Trauma Talk

    Dr. Helen Berents from Griffth University

  • 3:15 PM : RAQ President Message

    Words from RAQ representatives

  • 3:25 PM : Testimony

    Personal stories from those who lived through the events

  • 3:45 PM : Poem

    Performances honoring the victims

  • 3:55 PM : Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Commemoration serves as a solemn tribute to those who have perished, a recognition of the suffering endured by survivors, and a means of offering them support. It plays a crucial role in raising awareness about historical revisionism, ensuring that the truth of past events is preserved and accurately conveyed. Moreover, it serves as an educational tool for future generations, fostering an informed society that remains vigilant against the recurrence of such tragedies. The remembrance of all victims is not only a moral imperative but also an act of defiance against efforts to distort history and obscure the culpability of those responsible.

The victims came from all walks of life—men, women, and children from diverse ethnic and tribal backgrounds. We honor the memory of all those who perished during the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda. They were targeted based on their identity, Political views ... Additionally, we acknowledge and remember the victims of other tragedies affecting Rwandans since 1990, whose suffering has yet to be officially recognised as genocide. Through remembrance, we reaffirm our commitment to truth, justice, and historical integrity. Each victm had dreams, families, and contributions to make to society that were cut short.

Rwanda operates under an authoritarian system, with key figures in leadership accused of involvement in violence during and after the genocide. Significant efforts have been made to suppress dissent and prevent individuals like us from seeking justice for crimes committed against us during this period. They seek to control historical interpretation and avoid accountability. Our peaceful commemoration stands as a testament to truth and the universal right to remember.

Remembering specific tragedies does not diminish others. We recognize that violence during that period affected many communities. Our memorial embraces all victims, understanding that suffering transcends boundaries and that healing requires inclusive remembrance.

Community Voices

Claudine U.

“I come every year to honor my daughter, to keep her memory alive, and to stand in solidarity with others who understand this pain of loosing a kid.”

David K.

“This event is a testament to our resilience. It's where we find strength in numbers and remember those we've lost.”

Patrick N.

“Being here is about more than just remembering. It's about ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again home or anywhere else.”

C. Rutagengwa

“It's important for me to be here, to show that we haven't forgotten. Their lives mattered, and we will continue to honor them.”

Bienvenu P.

“This gathering is a beacon of hope and remembrance. It's a space where we can grieve together and find comfort in shared memories.”

Frederick M.

“Coming here each year helps me feel connected to my brother's memory. It's a place where his life is celebrated, not just his death mourned.”

P. Rafiki.

“This community has been my strength. We've turned our grief into purpose, ensuring no one suffers alone. We represent other Rwandans who are not yet allowed to remember their loved one”

V. Murekatete

“Every candle we light is a promise that their stories will never be forgotten. That's why I'm here every year.”

Francine B.

“My Father survived this, but he never spoke about what he witnessed. After he passed, I found more details about his pain and trauma. Now I come to honor him and all who suffered in silence.”

Peter T.

“As a Parent, I bring my kids here every year. It's crucial that young people understand what happened and how prejudice can escalate to violence.”

Eric G.

“Every year I light a candle for my parents and siblings. This gathering helps me feel less alone in my grief. We owe it to them to keep their memories alive.”

M. Sangwa

“Today, I honor and remember my brother Murangwa. In 1994, he was just thirteen years oldd bright, kind, and full of life, a first year high school student with hope for the future. In mid‑July of that year, Murangwa and many others were summoned by the RPF (then RPA) to attend a “meeting”. They were herded into an open field, they were brutally attacked first with grenades, then those who survived were mercilessly slaughtered with hoes. My brother pleaded for his life, o, but his killers mocked him before they ended his life. Though his life was cut tragically short, Murangwa will never be forgotten. His memory lives on in our hearts.”

Stories & Articles of Remembrance

April 11, 1994 - The Trail of Tears

On April 11, 1994, a 10-year-old Rwandan refugee witnessed the UN's abandonment of their camp, which led to a deadly march, during which the narrator's uncle and many family members were killed, while the narrator and her sister survived. Later she reflects on the enduring trauma, the critical need to remember, and the remarkable resilience of survivors amidst this tragic period in history.

Read Full Story

Escaping Genocide in Rwanda and the DRC

This testimony is shared by a member of the Rwandan Association of Queensland Inc., a survivor of two devastating periods of violence: the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the subsequent massacres in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1996/1997

Read Full Story

Remembering Father Jean Bosco Munyaneza: A Hero of Rwanda

Father Jean Bosco Munyaneza was a priest, a soccer star, and a martyr who lived the Gospel’s call to love at the ultimate cost. His sacrifice, alongside Father Joseph Gatare and all the victims who perished with them, challenges us to choose unity over division, love over fear.

Read Full Story

Who We Are

Our organisation operates under RAQ, founded in the early 2000s by Rwandan refugees. We are dedicated to preserving memory and fostering healing within the community. Through education, advocacy, and remembrance, we uphold historical truth and promote resilience among Rwandans.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to honoring the memory of those we have lost while providing unwavering support, essential resources, and strong advocacy for survivors and affected families. Through our tireless efforts, we ensure that their stories remain alive, their voices are heard, and their legacy endures through meaningful action and lasting impact

Our Values

Compassion, Dignity, Remembrance, and Hope are the guiding principles of our work. We believe in the strength of community, the vital role of bearing witness, and the imperative to strive for a more just and peaceful world. Through our unwavering commitment, we honor the past, support those affected, and foster a future built on truth, healing, and solidarity.

Our Work

Through memorial services, educational initiatives and community outreach, we foster spaces for healing. Our commitment ensures that remembrance is paired with action, reinforcing a future built on justice, resilience, and collective responsibility.

Educational Resources (comming soon)

Documentary: Voices Unheard

A powerful documentary featuring survivor testimonies and expert analysis of the events that unfolded 30+ years ago.

Duration: 58 min Year: 2023
Watch Now

Educational Series: Lessons from History

A 6-part series exploring how societies can learn from past atrocities to build more peaceful futures.

6 Episodes 2024
View Series

Commemoration Ceremony 2024

Full recording of last year's memorial event featuring speeches, performances, and the candlelight vigil.

Duration: 2h 15min June 2024
Watch Recording

"Echoes of Silence"

A comprehensive historical account of the events based on survivor testimonies and archival research.

Author: Dr. Elena Martinez 2022
Read Excerpt

"Children of Memory"

A collection of personal stories from the children of survivors, exploring intergenerational trauma and healing.

Edited by: Memory Project 2023
View Collection

"Preventing Atrocities"

An analysis of warning signs and prevention strategies for genocide and mass atrocities.

Author: Prof. James Wilson 2021
Download PDF

"Memory Unsilenced"

A podcast series featuring in-depth interviews with survivors, historians, and human rights activists.

24 Episodes Ongoing
Listen Now

"Justice Today"

Discussions about ongoing legal efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for historical atrocities.

12 Episodes 2023-2024
Subscribe

"Teaching Difficult History"

A podcast for educators on how to approach difficult historical topics in the classroom.

8 Episodes 2024
Listen & Learn

"Songs of Remembrance"

A collection of musical compositions created in memory of the victims by contemporary artists.

12 Tracks 2023
Listen

"Voices of Resilience"

Traditional songs performed by descendants of survivors, preserving cultural heritage.

Album 2022
Play Album

"Commemoration Concert"

Full recording of the 2023 memorial concert featuring international artists.

Live Performance 2023
Watch Performance

Historical Analysis: The Road to Violence

A scholarly article examining the social and political factors that led to the tragic events.

Dr. Samuel Johnson Journal of History
Read Article

Psychological Impact on Survivors

Research study documenting the long-term psychological effects on survivors and their families.

Dr. Maria Fernandez 2023 Study
Access Research

Educational Approaches to Difficult History

Best practices for teaching about historical atrocities in educational settings.

Education Review 2024
Read Guide

UN Commission of Inquiry Report

The official UN report documenting the events and violations of international law.

United Nations 2008
Download Report

Preventing Future Atrocities

UN framework for implementing the "Responsibility to Protect" doctrine.

UN Office on Genocide Prevention 2021
View Framework

20 Years Later: Justice and Reconciliation

UN assessment of progress toward justice and reconciliation since the events.

UN Human Rights Council 2025
Read Assessment

Contact Us