CSOs in justice sector called for cross-collaboration to accomplish their mandate

By Desire Muhire.

Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) working in justice sector in Kamonyi District were urged to adopt cross- collaboration as the best model to reach their goals of advocating and educating citizens.

During the meeting that brought together various Civil Society Organizations, organized by Ihorere Munyarwanda Organization (IMRO), while evaluating a three year project “Strengthening Rwanda Civil Society Organizations’ Capacity to contribute to policy in justice sector, which is phasing out, Epimac Munyakazi, Director of good governance in Kamonyi District urged the participants to work closely while implementing their projects to avoid duplication of works.

The consultation is aimed at empowering justice sector and human rights CSOs into effective and vibrant participation to policy processes by practicing evidence based advocacy and timely reporting.

Munyakazi also recognized the contribution of CSOs in advocacy and educating recognizes the contribution of IMRO during the last three years of this project’ implementation.

“We are really thankful and recognize your contribution in educating and advocating for our citizens, both public and CSOs work for the betterment of the citizens, there are so many issues that are solved thanks  to your advocacy” Munyakazi told the participants while opening the meeting.

He added that the project “Has helped us to know some of the issues that affect our citizens, augmenting the number of CSOs. They have also contributed in seeking solutions in the interest of our citizens, especially in justice sector”

Violette Tumupende, who works for Reach Rwanda appreciated the meeting outcome “We have gained much knowledge on how to carry out effective advocacy, we are the voice of the citizens” She said

She added that some challenges faced by CSOs are that the grassroots citizens are not aware of their rights, others do not know where to report their issues.

Some tangible examples are the teen mother’s issues, land dispute among citizens, injustice, among others.

Charlotte Mukandungutse, in charge of advocacy and policy in IMRO said that the main objective of this project was achieved as it is at end line.

“The project was initiated to tackle some issues in justice sector, to bring together CSOs that work in justice sector so that we carry out advocacy with a vibrant number of partners, which was successful as per now” Mukandungutse said.

Some of the issues of which CSOs advocated and were solved include the issues of motorcyclists, land taxes, among others.

Fabien Mutaganda, expert in capacity building of CSOs explains that CSOs contribution is vital as it is one of three pillars (Government, Private Sector, CSOs) that contribute to the citizen’s development.

He also called for CSOs to put much efforts in educating citizens on their rights which will result in having a responsible citizens who are active with critical thinking and solidarity.

The project was initially implemented in 11 Districts across the country.