On December 23, 2003 the UN General Assembly approved a resolution recognizing the tenth anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda and designating April 7, 2004 as an "International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda." (relevant links)

UNITED NATIONS General Assembly

Distr. GENERAL A/RES/58/234 Plen. 39 (b) A/58/PV.78 23 December 2003

International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda

The General Assembly,

Guided by the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

Recalling its resolution 260A (III) of 9 December 1948 by which it adopted the Convention for the Prevention and Suppression of the Crime of Genocide, as well as its resolution 53/43 of 2 December 1998 entitled "Fiftieth Anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide", and its other resolutions relevant to the issue of genocide;

Also Recalling the findings and recommendations of the Independent Inquiry commissioned by the Secretary-General, with the approval of the Security Council, into the actions of the United Nations during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda,

Further recalling Security Council resolution 955 (1994) on the establishment of The International Criminal Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Genocide and Other serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of Rwanda and Rwanda Citizens Responsible for Genocide and Other Serious Violations Committed in the Territory of Neighboring States between 1 January and 31 December 1994,

Recalling also the report containing the findings and recommendations of The International Panel of Eminent Persons, commissioned by the Organization of African Unity, to investigate the Genocide in Rwanda that started on 7 April 1994 and the Surrounding Events, entitled "The Preventable Genocide,"

Noting with concern that many alleged perpetrators of genocide continue to elude justice,

Recognizing the importance of combating impunity for all violations that constitute the crime of genocide.

Convinced that exposing and holding the perpetrators, including their accomplices, accountable, as well as restoring the dignity of victims through acknowledgement and commemoration of their suffering, would guide societies in the prevention of future violations,

Taking note of the recommendation of the Executive Council of the African Union, at its Second Ordinary Session held in N'Djamena from 3 to 6 March 2003, that the United Nations and the International community commemorate an international day of reflection on the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and recommitment to the fight against genocide throughout the world.

Recognizing that April 2004 is the tenth anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda.

1. Decides to designate 7 April 2004 as the International Day of Reflection on the genocide in Rwanda,

2. Encourages all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and other relevant international organizations, as well as civil society organizations, to observe the International Day, including special observances and activities in memory of the victims of the genocide in Rwanda.

3. Further encourages all Member States, organizations of the United Nations System and other relevant international organizations, to consider promoting implementation of the recommendations of the report of the Independent Inquiry into the actions of the United Nations during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

4. Calls on all states to act in accordance with the Convention for the Prevention and Suppression of the Crime of Genocide in ensuring that there is no repetition of events of the kind, which occurred in Rwanda in 1994.

For more information see:

International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda (link to special UN website in 6 languages)

Kofi Annan's April 7, 2004 Action Plan to Prevent Genocide On the 10th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide In Rwanda, Annn announced his Action Plan and announced the future appointment of a Special Advisor on Genocide Prevention.

UN General Assembly website: (www..un.org/ga/ ) see especially Press Release GA/10224

African Union website (www.africa-union.org ), see especially: the "Kigali Declaration" of May 8, 2003

Remember Rwanda (www.visiontv.ca/RememberRwanda ) Rwanda 10th Anniversary Memorial Project "Our first objective is commemoration: to launch a process that culminates in the international recognition of the genocide on its 10th anniversary in 2004. In that pursuit, we will cooperate with those who campaign against all genocides and will welcome and actively involve other communities that have endured great calamities in the recent past. The second objective is documentation and education: to help preserve the memory of the genocide by remembering its victims and those who tried to aid its victims, and through public education on Rwanda and other genocides. "