Rwanda’s CSOs in Justice Sector play a pivotal role in law establishment, review—Nabahire

By Désiré Muhire.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working in Justice Sector in Rwanda appreciate the approach of Rwandan Government to include them in an under review law regarding Justice, Reconciliation, Law and Order Sector Strategy (JRLOS).

According to CSOs, it is a remarkable step towards a transparent, sustainable justice and human rights Development.

During a one day consultation meeting organized by Great Lakes Initiative for Human Rights Development (GLIHD) on April 29, 2022, participants discussed how they could increase cross collaboration and avoid duplicate activities. Also, they have shared their inputs and views of what should be considered during PM Order and Ministerial Instructions towards JRLOS law review.

Anastase Nabahire, JRLOS Director General in the Ministry of Justice said that the Ministerial order no 123/03 of 13/10/2010 that established Justice, Reconciliation, Law and Order Sector is outdate and should be revised to conform to the current status of Rwandan extraordinary development.

He said that CSOs are the main partners of Rwandan government and they cannot be ignored while establishing or revising laws because they are among implementers of those laws and play a great role of oversight and advocacy.

“We strongly recognize the role played by Civil Society Organizations, one of their main role is to carry out advocacy and that is why it is worthy including them in law establishment instead of waiting for public interest litigations in case of some gaps that could appear after the law is revised or established” He said.

“Our country is making a quick and remarkable development in all sectors including justice, that is why we revise some laws that are no longer in line with other sectors, there so many institutions that are being established as well as dissolved ones, our laws should be as updated as possible and conform to other fresh institutions”  Nabahire added.

CSOs in justice sector were urged also to decentralise their activities and approach the citizens, educate them about laws, justice and human rights in order to prevent crimes.

Charlotte Mukandungutse from Ihorere Munyarwanda Organization (IMRO) said that the consultation meeting is an opportunity for CSOs to share their inputs.

“Our daily activity is to advocate for the citizens, educating them about laws, justice and human rights, we know what the citizens want that is why our contribution in law making and amendment is indispensable to avoid complaints once those laws are already out without our consideration.” Mukandungutse said.

Some of the objectives of JRLOS are to ensure universal access to justice, genocide ideology eradication and reinforcement of reconciliation mechanism, establishment of transparent, clear and accountable mechanism for oversight, direction and implementation of justice sector strategy.

Umulisa Husna Vestine, GLIHD Deputy Director urged CSOs members working in justice to adopt the method of timely reporting their activities not only to the donors but also to Government Institutions.

“Both CSOs and Government Institutions work in the interests of the citizens, but some of colleagues do carry out their activities, help citizens and they do not report to the concerned public institutions, they only report to their donors, which causes duplication, I call upon them to embrace reporting system which will make justice sector and human rights strong and stable.” She said

Umulisa also recognizes the efforts of Rwandan Justice Sector that consults CSOs to participate in law instituting and review of the existing laws.