Addressing survivors, officials, and international guests, Checchi spoke in solemn and deeply personal terms, recognizing “over one million Tutsi who were murdered during the 100-day tragedy.

His remarks mark a notable evolution in U.S. diplomatic language, aligning more closely with the United Nations (UN) and Rwanda’s official designation and internationally recognised terminology.

The UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 74/273 in 2020, designating April 7 as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The resolution explicitly affirms the internationally recognised naming of the genocide and calls on all member states to preserve its historical truth while actively combating denial and distortion.

However, more than three decades after the genocide, some countries, public figures, and international organisations have yet to consistently adopt the appropriate terminology. Instead, they continue to use alternative formulations that risk diluting the specificity of the crime and, in some cases, reflect political considerations rather than established historical and legal consensus.

The speech also drew from Checchi’s personal visits to genocide memorial sites, including Nyamata Genocide Memorial and Ntarama Genocide Memorial, former Catholic churches where thousands of Tutsi sought refuge before being massacred. He described the experience as “profoundly moving,” noting that the physical remnants of violence in these sacred spaces stand as enduring evidence of the atrocities committed.

Blending personal reflection with religious imagery, Checchi spoke of the symbolic weight of the altars stained with victims’ blood, particularly through the lens of his Catholic faith. Referencing Augustine of Hippo and Paul the Apostle, he framed the tragedy within a broader reflection on human suffering, redemption, and resilience. “The final word of the Cross is not death, but resurrection,” he said, highlighting what he described as Rwanda’s remarkable recovery in the decades since 1994.

The United States also reiterated its longstanding role in pursuing justice for the victims, including support for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, established under United Nations Security Council Resolution 955 (1994). This landmark resolution not only created the tribunal but also affirmed the international community’s recognition of genocide as defined under international law.

In his address, Checchi echoed these principles, stressing that the United States “opposes any attempt to misrepresent the historical record” and “rejects any denial or minimization of the genocide.” He also condemned the use of hate speech and divisive rhetoric, calling instead for unity, accountability, and continued efforts toward justice.

The speech highlighted Rwanda’s post-genocide transformation, describing it as “extraordinary” in restoring stability, rebuilding institutions, and fostering a unified national identity. Checchi acknowledged that such progress required difficult decisions in the aftermath of devastation but emphasized their role in preventing a return to mass violence.