From 4th to 9th November, the United Nations Office of the Special Advisor on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG), in partnership with Aegis Trust, hosted a series of groundbreaking workshops at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This week-long initiative brought together international experts, policymakers, peace advocates and community leaders to address various aspects of genocide prevention through policy development, dialogue and empowerment.
Empowering Sudanese Women Against Hate Speech
The week began on 4th November with a workshop focused on implementing the Napoli Plan of Action, aimed at enhancing the role of Sudanese women in countering hate speech and preventing incitement to violence. This initiative brought together women leaders, peacebuilders and advocates from across the globe to equip Sudanese women with tools and strategies for active roles in genocide prevention.
Samia El Hashmi, Chair of Mutawinat Benevolent Company, emphasized the historical significance of women’s leadership in Sudan: “Long ago when women led Sudan, our country was peaceful, and this was mainly because women were in power. Women create essential support networks to mobilize communities against hate, mediate for peace, and advocate for cohesion in schools and beyond.”
UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, drew parallels between Sudan’s current situation and Rwanda’s history: “When we women stand up, great change comes with us. As they say in South Africa, ‘Strike a woman, you strike a rock.’ We want to tell the world that they have struck women, and your voices will be heard.” She highlighted risk factors present in Sudan today that mirror Rwanda’s situation in 1993, underscoring the urgent need for women’s involvement in peace processes.
Promoting Dialogue and Mediation for Prevention
During 6th-7th November, the focus shifted to dialogue and mediation as tools for genocide prevention. International experts and mediators gathered to validate policy guidance on utilizing these approaches to address and prevent atrocities.
Professor Ambassador Ljubomir Danailov Frčkoski, North Macedonia’s Representative at the United Nations, highlighted a critical gap in current prevention efforts: “Although we have legal experts and international organizations for prevention and justice, it’s true that there is also a gap in their work—namely, the lack of action. Addressing and judging genocide crimes is not about lacking competency or ability but an evident lack of political will.”
During this workshop, participants emphasized the need for actionable frameworks that prioritize early prevention, community engagement, and survivor-focused approaches. The sessions also included visits to Rwanda’s Reconciliation Villages, where perpetrators and survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi now live together in unity—providing powerful testimony to the possibilities of healing and reconciliation.
Ethnicity and Genocide: Policy Development for Prevention
The week culminated on 8th-9th November with a conference on ‘Ethnicity and Genocide: Policy Guidance for Prevention,’ bringing together various dignitaries and global experts to develop comprehensive prevention strategies.
In his opening remarks, the Aegis Trust’s CEO Freddy Mutanguha expressed hope that Rwanda’s experience would serve as a global lesson: “The Genocide against the Tutsi could have been prevented if the government at the time had taken the necessary precautions instead of inciting violence. It is my hope that the policy we develop at the end of this workshop will save other communities on the brink of experiencing crimes like those our country has endured.”
Dr Jean Damascene Bizimana, Rwanda’s Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, highlighted the importance of collaboration between Rwanda and the United Nations: “Through a study conducted by the United Nations, it was seen that there is a window for prevention. We are glad that Rwanda and the United Nations are now on the best of terms as we work together to give justice to genocide victims and survivors, as well as prevent future genocides and related crimes.”
The conference explored the roles of various groups—including youth, government, non-governmental organizations, and civil society—in preventing ethnic discrimination that can lead to genocide. Experts from communities affected by wars, mass atrocities and genocide shared their experiences, identifying common risk factors, warning signs and prevention strategies.
Outcomes and Future Direction
By the conclusion of the week’s events, UN Special Advisor Alice Nderitu announced that 72 recommendations had emerged from the discussions, reflecting participants’ commitment to preventing future ethnically-based crimes and violence. A validated policy document was also developed to serve as a guide for mediators and peace advocates globally.
Throughout all sessions, the Kigali Genocide Memorial—final resting place for 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi—served as a poignant backdrop, reminding participants of both the devastating consequences of inaction and the possibilities for healing and resilience.
As Freddy Mutanguha stated in his closing remarks: “Discussions addressing the prevention of genocide are groundbreaking, and I believe that victims of this crime would be proud that our community today is working to prevent what happened to them from happening anywhere else. I sincerely hope that these policies will save the world.”
