Rusizi: National Human Rights Commission Opens Channels for Citizens’ Complaints

Rusizi District, Rwanda - The National Human Rights Commission (NCHR) has announced that it will receive citizens’ complaints directly in Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts, offering a streamlined way to address grievances without going through other channels. The announcement was made on December 7, 2025, during the closing of a public walk in Kamembe Sector, attended by local authorities, NCHR staff, and citizens.

Umurungi Providence, President of NCHR, said the initiative aims to promote human rights and provide a direct platform for complaints.

“Our responsibilities include promoting human rights through education and receiving problems that institutions have not been able to resolve. We have staff here, you can call on them while we still have this space here. We are here until Wednesday,” Umurungi said, emphasizing that citizens will now be able to submit complaints immediately and begin follow-up processes without relying on electronic correspondence, phone calls, or visits to the Kigali office.

The NCHR’s outreach activities in the districts include speaking with youth in schools and groups, visiting farms, and other community engagement programs. Umurungi highlighted the link between sports and human rights, noting that playing sports teaches respect for oneself and others.

“When you play, there is respect and you know your rights and those of your neighbor. This means that the way you respect your neighbor, the same way he respects yours,” he said.

Sindayiheba Phanuel, Mayor of Rusizi District, added that sports should be a responsibility, emphasizing its role in preventing gender-based violence and combating human trafficking, where young men and women are often lured with false promises of jobs or scholarships abroad.

The NCHR will receive complaints at People’s Assemblies in Gihundwe, Giheke, Bweyeye, and Nkombo sectors on October 9, 2025. The commission’s presence in Rusizi and Nyamasheke will last from December 2-10, 2025, providing additional engagement through school and community visits.

The 2024/2025 NCHR activity report shows that of 654 complaints followed up, 575 (87.9%) were resolved, 27 (4.1%) are still under investigation, and 52 (8%) remain unresolved. The initiative underscores the NCHR’s commitment to promoting human rights, resolving grievances efficiently, and ensuring that citizens have direct access to justice and support.