RWANDA- Government of Rwanda will launch ‘Kwibuka 20’, an activity aimed to raise awareness and prepare Rwandans and the world for the 20^th commemoration of the genocide.

According to the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the fight against Genocide, Mr. Jean de Dieu Mucyo, the launch of the activity on Tuesday, should not be mistaken from the starting of mourning period.

"Obviously, this year is particular, we are commemorating for the 20th time. This period between now and 7 April will focus on preparing the 20th Commemoration, dialogue and concrete action to support survivors. The discussions will also centre around building the Rwandan Spirit through the Ndi Umunyarwanda program."

Kwibuka is the Kinyarwanda word for 'remember' and describes the global commemoration framework. Rwanda invites the world to join Kwibuka20 by learning about the genocide, creating or joining a commemoration event and leaving a message of remembrance at www.kwibuka.rw.

The launch will take place at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre in Gisozi, Kigali. It will be marked by the lighting of the Kwibuka Flame (flame of remembrance) which will then travel through Rwanda's thirty districts before returning to Kigali on 7 April 2014, the commencement of the national mourning period.

Community conversations will take place in each district, offering Rwandans the opportunity to reflect on the events of 1994 as well as the country's journey since. The Kwibuka Flame symbolises remembrance as well as the resilience and courage of Rwandans over the past twenty years.

The event will include the premiere of the Kwibuka20 'Remember, Unite, Renew' short film and remarks from survivors as well as special guests including Minister of Sports and Culture, Protais Mitali and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Louise Mushikiwabo.

Over one hundred of history's darkest days, more than one million Rwandans perished in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. 2014 marks the 20th commemoration, an important occasion to remember the lives that were lost, show solidarity with survivors and unite to ensure it never happens again - in Rwanda or elsewhere. It is also a chance to learn about the country's story of reconciliation and nation building.