Genocide can only be described as the evolution of misunderstanding to murder. It is not unique to the country whose people I’ve come to love and whose name is now synonymous with the word. Rather, it seems a constant across space and time — our darkest common ground.

We have become too familiar with the images. Gas chambers scratched with desperate fingernails. Parishioners slaughtered in a church under the watchful eye of their pastor. An armless orphan’s lonely cry. We solemnly shake our heads, sad at the loss of life, but never sad enough to stop the next slaughter.

The Genocide Memorial is Rwanda’s attempt at forever ending genocide. The memorial tells the story of how the genocide began, how it proceeded and how it finally ended. There is detailed information about the impact of the colonialism, the role radio propaganda played, the inaction of the international community, the stories of survival and finally glimpses into the court system that is slowly bringing reconciliation. The memorial also tells the story of other genocides and argues that it is only through education that the lives of future victims can be spared. It is a thoroughly moving and educational experience.

There are no pictures allowed inside, but outside, nestled between the beautiful gardens of the memorial are mass graves containing the 14,000 sons and daughters of Rwanda. The graves, which are still being filled with bodies, are a stark reminder of the evil that men do.

Let us never forget.