Lawyers, CSOs and journalists unite to improve human rights response for vulnerable and marginalized populations

By Elias Hakizimana.

Lawyers, civil society organizations (CSOs), journalists and Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) have called for stronger coordination in responding to human rights challenges affecting vulnerable and marginalized populations, during a two-day workshop held in Kigali by the Human Rights First Rwanda Association (HRFRA).

The workshop, held at Centric Hotel from April 23 to 24, 2026, brought together 25 to 30 participants under the theme “Strengthening Coordinated Human Rights Responses through Legal Practice, Media Engagement, and Civil Society Action.” It focused on addressing long-standing gaps in collaboration among key actors involved in human rights protection.

Opening the event, HRFRA Executive Director Me. Jonathan Musangwa emphasized that protecting human rights cannot be effective when actors work in isolation.

“The protection of human rights—especially for vulnerable and marginalized communities—requires more than isolated efforts. It demands strong coordination, collaboration, and mutual understanding among key actors,” he said.

Across the two days, participants reflected on how fragmented approaches continue to weaken the impact of human rights work in Rwanda.

While lawyers handle legal processes, journalists document and report cases, and CSOs engage communities and advocacy work, the lack of structured coordination often limits results.

Addressing gaps between sectors

A civil society representative working in a legal aid organization described the workshop as a timely intervention to address operational gaps between stakeholders.

“I am a human rights defender. This training is vital. When a journalist and a lawyer know what to do, they can both advocate for vulnerable and marginalized people,” the participant said.

“We are still learning in this two-day workshop. We found gaps in our working conditions both in journalism and CSOs work. We wish that recommendations from this workshop can be fully implemented, especially strengthening collaboration among us.”

Participants noted that although each group plays a critical role, weak coordination often leads to duplication of efforts, missed opportunities, and limited impact on communities in need.

Journalists call for stronger support and resources

For journalists, the workshop provided practical insight into how legal knowledge can improve reporting on human rights issues, especially those affecting vulnerable groups.

Journalist Alex Ngarambe said the training has changed his approach to covering such stories.

“The training has equipped me with the knowledge and understanding about the plight of vulnerable people. In the past, I reported with limited knowledge, but now I am in a better position to tell their story and advocate for them,” he said.

He added that journalism can play a key role in influencing policy and public awareness if properly supported.

However, he pointed out that limited resources remain a major barrier to effective reporting.

“Many journalists don’t have the resources to reach under-reported areas, especially in rural settings. My request is for organizations to partner with journalists in financing these stories so that we can tell stories that can change the plight of these people,” he said.

Building legal and advocacy capacity

The workshop is part of a broader HRFRA initiative aimed at strengthening human rights advocacy through practical training and cross-sector collaboration.

Legal expert and trainer Rogers Amutwendize explained that the program follows a previous training targeting law students.

“The first training targeted law students, equipping them with legal knowledge to advocate for vulnerable populations such as persons with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and sex workers,” he said.

“This second training is aimed at journalists, civil society actors and young lawyers so they can acquire legal knowledge to continue advocating and advancing the rights of vulnerable populations in Rwanda.”

He expressed optimism that the training will translate into practical change.

“Based on the level of participation and engagement, I really hope that the outcomes of the training will be positive,” he added.

Responding to emerging human rights challenges

Organizers noted that the workshop comes at a time when human rights work is increasingly challenged by misinformation, limited civic space, and digital security risks.

These challenges, they said, require more coordinated, timely, and practical responses that bring together legal expertise, media engagement, and community-based advocacy.

Through interactive sessions, including case studies and group discussions, participants examined legal frameworks, ethical reporting standards, documentation of violations, and coordination mechanisms between sectors.

Call for sustained collaboration

Closing the workshop, HRFRA urged participants to move beyond discussion and commit to long-term collaboration.

“I encourage all participants to engage actively, share experiences openly, and use this platform not only to learn—but also to build lasting professional relationships,” said Me. Musangwa Jonathan.

“Let us move from discussion to action, from coordination to collaboration, and from individual efforts to collective impact.”

Participants left the workshop with renewed commitment to strengthening cooperation across their respective sectors, with organizers noting that improving human rights protection for vulnerable and marginalized populations depends on sustained joint action rather than isolated efforts.

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