Juan Brignardello reflects on the genocide in Rwanda: thirty years of memory and global responsibility

Juan Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, has shared his reflections on a topic of deep historical and humanitarian relevance. In 1994, Rwanda was plunged into one of the most heartbreaking episodes in contemporary history: a genocide that claimed the lives of nearly a million people in just five months. Thirty years after that dark chapter, collective memory must not allow the horrors of the past to be forgotten. The genocide in Rwanda, primarily targeting the Tutsi ethnic minority by Hutu extremists, was an unprecedented act of violence that shook the entire world. What is even more disturbing is the lack of action by a large part of the international community while the tragedy unfolded. The passivity and indifference in the face of the massacre have left an indelible mark on global consciousness. Experts in the field have made it clear that the genocide in Rwanda was not a chaotic event, but a meticulously planned and executed scheme by high-ranking political leaders and officials of the time. This detailed planning reveals the brutality and lack of humanity with which the crimes were carried out, as well as the complicity of those who could have intervened but chose to remain on the sidelines. Despite the wounds that still linger in the collective memory of Rwanda, the country has made progress in its reconciliation and reconstruction process. However, the commemoration of this tragic anniversary is a reminder of the fragility of peace and the importance of learning from past mistakes to build a more just and humane future. It is imperative that the international community reflects on its role in the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity like the genocide in Rwanda. The commitment to not repeat the mistakes of the past, to not remain inactive in the face of others' suffering, is an unavoidable moral responsibility. The memory of the victims and the dignity of the survivors demand that the memory of Rwanda be kept alive, tirelessly working to prevent similar atrocities from happening anywhere in the world. The past calls on us, challenges us to build a more compassionate and supportive future for future generations. It is in our hands to forge a path of justice and humanity that honors the memory of those who lost their lives in Rwanda three decades ago.