The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has conducted unannounced visits to Preliminary Rehabilitation Centres (PRCs) across Rwanda to assess whether the rights and dignity of people held in the facilities are being respected.

The visits, conducted from 20 to 23 October 2026, are part of the Commission’s regular monitoring activities aimed at preventing torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

During the visits, NCHR assessed living conditions, including access to food, clean water, healthcare, sanitation, bedding and clothing. We also examined the management of the centres, admission procedures and measures to protect residents against abuse and ill-treatment.

The teams held discussions with centre cordinators and interviewed residents privately to understand their experiences and identify potential human rights concerns. We also engaged local authorities on issues requiring attention and followed up on concerns identified during previous monitoring visits.

Particular attention was given to the rights and needs of women, children, older people, persons with disabilities and residents requiring medical care.

The monitoring exercise is part of NCHR’s mandate to monitor rehabilitation facilities, prevent human rights violations and advocate for corrective measures where concerns are identified.

Through regular monitoring, including unannounced visits, the Commission seeks to strengthen accountability and ensure that people in PRCs are treated with dignity and in accordance with the law.