Justice Sector Personnel Trained on Human Rights Protection
The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has conducted a three-day training program aimed at strengthening the understanding and protection of human rights among professionals working across Rwanda’s justice sector — with a particular focus on safeguarding the rights of detainees during arrest and initial detention.
The training began on 19 November 2025 at the headquarters of the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) in Nyanza, Southern Province. It follows the first session held from 11–14 November at the Rwanda Peace Academy in Musanze.
A total of 77 participants took part in this phase, including senior officers from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and Rwanda National Police, prosecutors, presidents of intermediate courts, prison administrators, lawyers, and officials from the Ministry of Justice. They follow another group from Northern and Western Provinces who received similar training earlier.
A Rare Collaboration Across Justice Institutions
Dr. Yves Sezirahiga, Deputy Rector in charge of Training and Research at ILPD, highlighted the uniqueness of bringing together multiple justice institutions under one roof to discuss human rights.
“It is rare to see RIB, Police, Prosecution, the Judiciary, lawyers and other institutions hold joint discussions on human rights. In many countries these bodies operate in separate academic and professional spaces. We appreciate NCHR for convening this important platform,” he said.
He reminded participants that all justice actors meet at critical points of arrest, detention and trial, and must uphold the rights of detainees throughout the process.
Dr. Sezirahiga added that recent studies show high levels of overcrowding in Rwanda’s correctional facilities, which can unintentionally result in rights violations. Rwanda ranks third globally among countries with the highest prison congestion relative to population size.
“These trainings should help us correct where necessary. Even simple actions matter: for example, if an officer tells someone ‘sit down’ yet the person is physically unable, the officer should adapt instead of insisting,” he said.
He also urged investigators to ensure that every suspect has access to legal counsel, and called on judges to consider non-custodial penalties before resorting to imprisonment, as part of efforts to reduce congestion in prisons.
NCHR Calls for Stronger Commitment to Human Rights
NCHR Chairperson Providence Umurungi said the training offers justice sector actors the opportunity to learn from each other and strengthen the culture of respecting human rights across institutions.
“We brought you together so you can share experiences and good practices, and reinforce the culture of human dignity. We must collectively fight against abuse, mistreatment and any behavior that violates human rights,” she said.
She noted that in some cases, justice personnel shift blame among institutions, which undermines accountability. She urged each professional to fulfil their responsibilities diligently to ensure detainees’ rights are respected.
Participants also said the training provided practical insights they will apply in their daily work, as well as positive examples from peers in other institutions, contributing to Rwanda’s broader efforts to promote human rights.
NCHR continues to encourage all Rwandans to respect human rights and prevent violations in all settings.