MPs Pass Law Granting Rwanda Opportunity to Host HCCH Headquarters

The Inspirer.

Members of Parliament have passed a law approving Rwanda’s inclusion among the countries that are part of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands.

Among the benefits Rwanda stands to gain are the ability to participate in drafting new agreements and the possibility of hosting a permanent office responsible for Sub-Saharan African countries.

The HCCH was established on October 31, 1951, and its statute came into effect on July 31, 1955.

It was explained that Rwanda had previously ratified some of the organization’s conventions, as it recognized their importance, without being a full member. For instance, Rwanda adopted the HCCH’s Convention on the Protection of Children in 1993, followed by the Apostille Convention.

While presenting the draft law to Parliament, Minister Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja explained that Rwanda, as a member, would have the opportunity to contribute to the organization’s operations and participate in the Permanent Bureau’s activities.

He highlighted that Rwanda’s membership would ensure its interests are considered during the negotiation of new treaties, thereby simplifying the alignment of Rwandan laws with international regulations.

It is also anticipated that Rwanda, as a member, will be eligible to receive support for implementing HCCH agreements.

Why is Rwanda Joining Now?

Minister Ugirashebuja explained that it is possible for a country to sign conventions without being a member of the organization, but joining gives Rwanda the opportunity to contribute its views on future agreements.

“We have seen that many conventions would benefit Rwanda, but we felt there was no need to keep borrowing from others without having a say in the process,” he stated.

MP Anasthase Nabahire pointed out that many conditions are required for a country to host an international organization’s headquarters. He asked whether Rwanda would need to request this opportunity or if the organization had already decided.

“I would like to understand if it is Rwanda that will request the headquarters to be established here, or if there have already been discussions leading to a decision,” he inquired.

Minister Dr. Ugirashebuja confirmed that Rwanda has the opportunity to host the office, but becoming a member is the first step. He mentioned that they had previously discussed this matter with former ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, who was informed that the opportunity would be available once Rwanda became a member.

The HCCH is set to establish offices for North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Minister Dr. Ugirashebuja noted that no other Sub-Saharan African country has requested or shown interest in hosting the headquarters, adding that Rwanda had been invited to apply.

Once Rwanda joins HCCH, it will contribute $4,445 annually. The HCCH currently has 91 member countries from different continents.

The law was passed by 79 MPs in a plenary session without prior discussion in committee.

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