Lynne Featherstone yesterday laid a wreath at the Ntarama Memorial Site to commemorate the genocide as part of a three day visit to Rwanda.
While at Ntarama, which is in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, she met with representatives from the Aegis Trust who provided a tour of the site and gave her an account of what happened there during the genocide.
She also saw how funding from the UK is helping the Aegis Trust preserve the site and promote peace and reconciliation through education about the genocide.
The Governor of the Eastern Province Hon. Odette Uwamaliya also joined the visit.
International Development Minister Lynne Featherstone said:
“Remembering the tragedy of the genocide is vital to make sure that such horrific events are never repeated.
“The UK will continue to support the important work here at Ntarama and across the country. The new archives, classrooms and peace projects the UK is funding will help ensure the atrocities are recorded for future generations and help communities to come to terms with the tragedy.
“Rwanda has made remarkable progress over the past 20 years and the determination of the Rwandan people to stand together and rebuild their country is truly inspiring.”
John Petrie, Director of Programmes at the Aegis Trust said:
“The support that Aegis is receiving from DfID is a major contribution to the peace and reconciliation programme and it is a pleasure to host the Minister of State and be able to show how elements of the programmes are being delivered”.
DFID is providing £2.5m to the Aegis Trust to support its Genocide Research and Reconciliation Programme in Rwanda.
