The call came as Rwanda began the 31st commemoration of the genocide, which claimed the lives of over one million Tutsi, killed simply because of how they were born.
"This appalling chapter in human history was not a spontaneous frenzy of horrendous violence. It was intentional, premeditated and planned â€" including through hate speech that inflamed division, and spread lies and dehumanization," reads part his message shared on Monday.
Guterres warned that the same seeds of division that led to the genocide in Rwanda are being sown again in today's world.
"These are days of division. The narrative of 'us' versus 'them' is ascendant, polarizing societies. Digital technologies are being weaponized to further inflame hate, stoke division, and spread lies."
He also emphasized the urgency for nations to take action: "We must learn from the terrible history of the genocide [against the Tutsi] in Rwanda, and act to stem the tide of hate speech, stop disunity and discontent mutating into violence, uphold human rights, and ensure accountability."
The Secretary-General called on all States to deliver on commitments made in the Global Digital Compact to tackle online falsehoods and hate, 'to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, and to become parties to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide without delay'.
"Today, around the world, the darkest impulses of humanity are being awakened once more by the voices of extremism, division and hate. On this day of remembrance, let's commit to be vigilant and to work together to build a world of justice and dignity for all â€" in honour of all the victims and survivors of the genocide [against the Tutsi] in Rwanda."
In Rwanda, a national week of mourning for the over a million innocent lives starts every year on 7th-13th April, while commemoration activities continue throughout the 100 days period ending on July 3rd.
April 7th has also since 2018 been designated the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda by the United Nations and is commemorated every year at the African Union level in honor of the innocent lives.
At the national level, the 31st Commemoration was marked by a solemn ceremony held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame led the event by lighting the Flame of Hope, a symbol of remembrance and resilience.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials and friends of Rwanda, all gathered to honour the memory of the victims and reflect on the country's journey toward healing and unity.
Théophile Niyitegeka
