The 1994 Rwandan genocide claimed between 800,000 to 1,000,000 lives in just 100 days - roughly seven people killed every minute. Most victims were from the Tutsi tribe, brutally murdered with machetes and makeshift weapons while several countries and the UN failed to intervene.

Twenty years later, Rwanda commemorates this tragedy through Kwibuka20, bringing together diplomats and journalists from around the world. The mood in Kigali remains somber as events focus on remembrance, education, and healing while calling for prevention of future atrocities.

Jesus Christ provided a simple five-word solution that could prevent such tragedies: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). This principle, also known as the Golden Rule - "whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them" (Matthew 7:12) - if applied universally and without exception, could eliminate genocide and all forms of violence.

Despite its simplicity and universal appeal, few commit to applying this principle consistently. Even during the Rwandan genocide, some Christian church leaders participated in the killings, while others resisted and protected victims. This demonstrates how the slightest compromise of the Golden Rule can lead to devastating consequences.

The anniversary of the Rwandan genocide serves as a powerful reminder to commit fully to the Golden Rule - without exceptions. Jesus presented it as one of the two great commandments that should guide all human actions (Matthew 22:38-40). Only through unwavering dedication to this principle can we prevent future tragedies and create a more peaceful world.

Photo by Elena Hermosa for Trocaire/CC BY 2.0

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