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Reflection on the Rwandan Genocide - April 7 is observed as an International Day of Reflection on the Rwandan genocide. In honor of this day and the many victims who lost their lives, BET.com takes a look back at the tragedy. — Naeesa Aziz(Photo: RWANDA/ REUTERS/Radu Sigheti/Files)

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Terrible Toll - The Rwandan genocide began on April 7, 1994. In the 100 days before its end, nearly 800,000 people were murdered, including 300,000 children. (Photo: Corinne Dufka / Reuters)

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Act of War - Violence began after a plane carrying President Juvénal Habyarimana, a member of Rwanda’s Hutu ethnic group, was shot down on April 6, 1994. Hutu extremists began plans to destroy the entire population of the Tutsi ethnic group. (Photo: Daniel Janin/AFP/Getty Images)

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Swift Execution - Almost immediately, Hutu rebels and civilians began murdering Tutsis, including Hutu politicians and others who weren’t prepared to follow the Hutu extremists’ plans. An estimated 200,000 people participated in the perpetration of the Rwandan genocide. (Photo: Corinne Dufka / Reuters)

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Wiped Out - Tutsis, including people suspected of being Tutsi, were killed in their homes and as they tried to flee at roadblocks set up across the country. Entire families were killed at a time and women were brutally raped. (Photo: Peter Andrews / Reuters)

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Child Soldiers - Thousands of children were forced to join military operations and to commit violent acts against their will during the genocide. (Photo: ABDELHAK SENNA/AFP/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: ABDELHAK SENNA/AFP/Getty Images

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Lost Generation - “The children of Rwanda witnessed unspeakable violence,” said UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy. “Tens of thousands lost their mothers and fathers. Thousands were victims of horrific brutality and rape. The impact of the tragedy simply cannot be overstated.”(Photo: Peter Kramer/Getty Images)

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No Action - Leaders of Western nations, including then-U.S. President Bill Clinton, were aware of the massive slaughter occurring in Rwanda but refused to publicly acknowledge it as genocide. (Photo: White House/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: White House/Getty Images

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Bitter End - The genocide finally came to an end on July 4, when the Tutsi-dominated rebel group defeated the Hutu regime and current President Paul Kagame took control.  (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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How Rwanda Remembers - Rwanda commemorates April 7 as Genocide Memorial Day, but also observes Liberation Day on July 4 — marking the end of the genocide. The week following April 7 is observed nationwide as an official week of mourning.(Photo: REUTERS/Themistocles Hakizimana)