Rwanda Reaffirms Commitment to Refugee Rights and Welfare

Rwanda has reiterated its dedication to protecting the rights of refugees, ensuring they live in security and dignity across the country, according to the Rwanda Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Chairperson Umurungi Providence highlighted these achievements while presenting the Commission’s 2024/2025 report and outlining plans for 2025/2026.

Monitoring activities covered five refugee camps, two temporary sites, and urban areas. The NHRC recorded a total of 135,952 refugees, including:

Camps: 120,618 (27,372 men, 32,989 women, 30,185 boys, 30,072 girls)

Temporary camps: 3,627 (1,138 men, 977 women, 749 boys, 763 girls)

Urban and other areas: 11,707 (5,457 men, 2,718 women, 1,842 boys, 1,690 girls)

As of October 10, 2025, Rwanda hosted 137,773 refugees, including 83,923 Congolese, 52,614 Burundians, and 1,236 from other countries.

The Commission confirmed that refugees enjoy full civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. They can move freely within Rwanda and, except for their country of origin, travel internationally using a refugee travel document issued by the National Immigration Agency.

Refugees and asylum seekers are provided with identification documents. Refugee identity cards, now valid for 10 years instead of five, allow holders to access services and, if they meet legal requirements, marry before a civil registry office.

Refugees are represented in courts for legal disputes or criminal accusations, with support from Prison Fellowship Rwanda. Security within camps is maintained jointly by the Rwandan Police, refugee patrols, and the Judicial Police Department.

Umurungi noted that infrastructure improvements are needed, citing the Mahama camp, where poor road conditions and limited electricity pose safety risks.

The Commission found that many refugees are economically active, engaging in agriculture, livestock, handicrafts, and small businesses. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization provides monthly assistance based on vulnerability:

Despite these efforts, some refugees in the most vulnerable categories continue to face financial difficulties. The Commission also reported isolated cases of fraud by refugees using small loans.

Rwanda ensures refugees have access to education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services, demonstrating the country’s ongoing commitment to integrating displaced populations safely and respectfully.

The NHRC plans to continue monitoring refugee rights and addressing infrastructure, safety, and livelihood challenges in the coming year.