The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi
Primary 6 · Social and Religious Studies
The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi
Lesson 1 of 5
25 min
Let's begin
Every April, Uwase notices changes in her village. The flag flies at half-mast. The radio plays quiet music. Adults gather to remember.
Her teacher explains that this is Kwibuka, the time when Rwanda remembers the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In this unit you will learn, carefully and respectfully, what happened, why it happened, how it was stopped, and what each of us can do so that it never happens again.
Important
A note before you begin
This unit is about a very sad part of Rwanda's history. Many families still carry that pain.
If you feel sad or upset while you read, it is fine to stop. Talk to a parent, a teacher or another adult you trust.
Genocide is a crime committed with the aim of destroying a group of people, completely or in part, because of who they are: their nationality, ethnic group, race or religion.
It is one of the worst crimes a person or government can commit. In 1948 the United Nations agreed that genocide is a crime that every country must prevent and punish.
Its full name, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, says clearly who was targeted. This is the name used in Rwanda's Constitution and by the United Nations. Always use the full, correct name.
Worked example
Why does the name matter?
Step 1 Look at the words: Genocide against the Tutsi.
Step 2 The name tells us who was targeted, and why: Tutsi, because they were Tutsi.
Step 3 A vague name hides the truth. That is why we always say the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Tip
7 April, 100 days, more than one million
Remember these three facts, and always say the full name: the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Answer each one, then tap Show answer to check.
What does the word genocide mean?
Answer: a crime committed to destroy a group of people, completely or in part, because of who they are.
On what date did the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi begin?
Answer: 7 April 1994.
About how long did it last?
Answer: about 100 days, until July 1994.
What is impunity, and how did it help lead to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi?
Answer: impunity means not being punished for a crime. Earlier killers of Tutsi were not punished, so killers believed they could kill again.
What you learned today
Sources and credits
Quick check
Match each cause of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to what it means.
Tap one on the left, then its partner on the right.
