Rwanda Trains Justice Sector Workers on Human Rights and Prisoner Protection

Nyanza, Rwanda - November 2025. The National Human Rights Commission (NCHR) has launched a new phase of training aimed at strengthening the protection of human rights, particularly for individuals in the early stages of arrest and detention. The three-day workshop, held from 19-21 November 2025 at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) in Nyanza, follows an earlier session organized in Musanze on 11-14 November.

Bringing together 77 justice sector professionals, the training convened leaders from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Police, Prosecution, Judiciary, village authorities, lawyers, and officials from the Ministry of Justice (MINIJUST). Participants from the Northern and Western Provinces had attended the earlier Musanze session.

Dr. Yves Sezirahiga, ILPD’s Deputy Director for Academic Affairs and Research, praised the initiative for uniting institutions that often work separately.

“It is rare anywhere in the world to have RIB, Police, Prosecution, Judiciary, and Lawyers sit together to discuss human rights,” he said. “We thank the NCHR for bringing us together.”

He emphasized the need for a shared understanding of proper conduct during arrests and detentions, noting that a recent study revealed serious prison overcrowding, which can unintentionally lead to violations of prisoner rights. Rwanda currently ranks third globally for prison population density, he said.

Dr. Sezirahiga urged officers and prosecutors to uphold minimum standards of dignity when handling detainees and reminded them that no suspect should be questioned without access to a lawyer. He also called on judges to use alternative penalties where possible to help reduce overcrowding.

NCHR Chairperson Umurungi Providence said the training fosters collective learning across the justice system.

“We want participants to share experiences and good practices,” she said. “This will help raise standards and reinforce a culture of respecting human rights, especially in preventing harassment, abuse, and other inhumane acts.”

She acknowledged concerns about negligence among some justice sector staff and urged all actors to fulfill their responsibilities, particularly in protecting the rights of detainees.

Participants expressed optimism that the training would improve their daily work, noting that it provided concrete examples of effective practices used by colleagues across the sector.

The NCHR concluded by encouraging all institutions and communities to remain vigilant in preventing human rights violations and promoting accountability throughout the justice chain.