The Rwanda Genocide in 1994 cost the lives of almost one million men, women and children. Many more were maimed, displaced or orphaned. The origins of the genocide lay in a history of manipulation of social / ethnic groups; ultimately, the tragedy was permitted by international indifference. Since 1994, Rwanda has achieved peace and stability and international assistance has helped the country’s economic development. But the genocide has left a continuing and painful legacy. Despite this, ethnic and inter-communal violence is recurring elsewhere in Africa and in other parts of the world.

The victims of the Rwanda Genocide are commemorated in permanent memorials in Rwanda and one in Uganda. As yet, the genocide has no memorial outside Africa.

The Rwanda Genocide Memorial Project has two aims. The first is to establish a permanent memorial in the form of a unique sculpture monument in Cathedral Square, Southwark, next to Southwark Cathedral and adjacent to London Bridge and the River Thames. The second aim is to create a scholarship fund to provide support over a period of years, or in perpetuity, for post-graduate Rwandans wishing to study at selected higher education institutions in the Commonwealth. It is hoped that the monument will be completed and the scholarship scheme inaugurated over two years.

The Project has the support of the Tutu Foundation UK, Dr Chai Patel's Bright Future Trust, Southwark Cathedral, Southwark Council and the President of Rwanda. A Design Panel chaired by the Dean of Southwark has appointed the sculptor partnership Langlands & Bell to produce a design proposal for a monument.

In commemorating the victims of the Rwanda Genocide, the monument in Cathedral Square will recognise the tragedy of all genocide. It will also refer to the Crimes Against Humanity exhibition a mile away at the Imperial War Museum.

The victims of the Rwanda Genocide have been remembered in special services in Southwark Cathedral. The next Rwanda Genocide Memorial Service will be held in the Cathedral on 7 April 2010.

The Patrons of the project:

  1. The Most Revd Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus
  2. HE Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda
  3. HE Ernest Rwamucyo, Rwanda High Commissioner
  4. Ms Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General
  5. The Rt Revd Dr Thomas Butler, Bishop of Southwark
  6. The Most Reverend Kevin McDonald, RC Archbishop of Southwark
  7. Rt Hon Paul Boateng
  8. Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Rifkind KCMG QC MP
  9. Rt Hon Baroness Chalker of Wallasey
  10. Sir Sigmund Sternberg OStJ KCSG JP
  11. Dr Chai Patel CBE FRCP
  12. Baroness Howe of Idlicote CBE
  13. Lenny Henry CBE
Rwandan Genocide Memorial Proposal

Proposed Rwanda Genocide Memorial

Photographs from Rwanda

rwanda

A selection of photographs taken by Langlands & Bell during their visit to Rwanda

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