RIB warns against corporal punishment of children, says it is illegal

By The Inspirer.

The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has warned parents, guardians, and teachers against the use of corporal punishment on children, saying practices such as beating, slapping, or other physical punishment are illegal and punishable by law.

RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry issued the warning on June 19, 2026, during an event at Nyamata RIB Station, where the agency also handed over 140 recovered mobile phones worth over RWF 40 million that had been stolen across the country.

During the same event, RIB presented three suspects linked to theft and eight others accused of homicide-related offences in six sectors of the district.

Dr. Murangira said RIB has recently recorded a rise in cases of child abuse linked to excessive punishment by parents and educators.

He stressed that while discipline is allowed, it must not involve violence or actions that harm a child physically or psychologically.

He defined unlawful punishment as any disciplinary measure that is disproportionate to the child’s age, causes trauma, or endangers their wellbeing.

The spokesperson specifically warned against beating children with sticks or belts, slapping, twisting ears, kicking, and other forms of physical assault, as well as verbal abuse that undermines a child’s dignity and mental health.

Dr. Murangira reiterated that discipline should be guided by responsibility and care, rather than anger or violence.

Under Rwanda’s child protection law, anyone found guilty of physically abusing a child faces a prison sentence of two to three years and a fine of between RWF 200,000 and RWF 300,000.

If the abuse results in disability, the penalty increases to seven to ten years in prison and a fine ranging from RWF 1 million to RWF 2 million. In cases where it leads to death, the offender may face life imprisonment.