Banyamulenge Tutsi Survivors & Victims Commemoration Day

Each year, Banyamulenge Tutsi survivors and victims around the world commemorate the Gatumba, Burundi refugee camp massacre, which occurred on August 13, 2004. More than one-hundred-and-fifty innocent people – most women and children – were murdered simply because of their Banyamulenge Tutsi ethnicity.
This Commemoration Day celebrates the lives of those lost and forever altered by that day’s violence. Survivors and their families rekindle old bonds and forge new connections, pay respect to those who were murdered, and continue to heal ongoing emotional and physical wounds. Testimony will be offered by survivors and victims so the memory of this crime is not forgotten. This memorial is not just retrospective, however, as one of its primary purposes is to call for an abolition of violence against all civilian populations throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes Region of Africa.
In this commemoration we will be joined by similar remembrances across much of Africa, especially Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya and the DRC, where other Banyamulenge populations will spend the day in recollection, commemoration and community. We will be joined not just by Banyamulenge Tutsi throughout Africa, but also in Holland, Canada and Australia. This year’s official event in the United States will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, and more information about it may be found www.hmsv.or, and http:www.//67.222.39.115/gatumba/
We respectfully and sincerely implore you to assist us in the following efforts, which are central to the purpose of Commemoration Day:
Expanding the worldwide network of those who stand united with the Banyamulenge Tutsi survivors for justice
Working to spread awareness through traditional and new media of the plight of Banyamulenge Tutsi victims and survivors
Pressing politicians and international organizations, (namely the UN) to deliver justice to the Banyamulenge Tutsi survivors and victims, by signing this petition:http://criminaljustice.change.org/petitions/view/petition_for_justice_on_behalf_of_the_victims_of_the_banyamulenge_tutsi_massacre
Providing funding for Banyamulenge Tutsi survivors and victims who remain in Burundi and lack the means to attend commemoration ceremonies and engage in other healing activities. Donations may be sent directly to:
Jean Claude Musore
3055 Curran Avenue, Ste. C
Oakland, CA 94602
Or through PayPal via the Humura Mulenge Survivors & Victims website :www.hmsv.org