Parliament unanimously adopts NDP motion in commemoration of Rwandan genocide

On the twentieth anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, Parliament has unanimously adopted an NDP motion to re-affirm Canada's commitment to preventing genocides.

"The Rwandan genocide was made possible by the indifference and inaction of the international community," said NDP Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre). "On this day, Canada must make the prevention of mass atrocities a foreign policy priority and join many of our international allies and partners in appointing a National Focal Point for the Responsibility to Protect."

Dewar's motion, which was unanimously adopted by Parliament, states:

"Whereas during a three-month period beginning April 7, 1994, 800,000 Rwandans were killed in an organized campaign of genocide;

That the House of Commons solemnly commemorate the Rwandan genocide on the occasion of its 20th anniversary; reflect upon the lessons learned since the genocide, including the importance of reconciliation; and reaffirm its commitment to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide."