Musanze / Nyanza — November 2025 — The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has continued its nationwide effort to strengthen the capacity of justice officials on the promotion of human rights and due process in detention facilities, as the second cohort of training takes place on 19-21 November 2025 at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) in Nyanza.

This follows the successful completion of the first three-day cohort held from 12–14 November 2025 at the Rwanda Peace Academy in Musanze, which brought together 81 senior officials from institutions under the Justice, Reconciliation, Law and Order Sector (JRLOS). These included the Judiciary, National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA), Rwanda National Police (RNP), Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), Rwanda Bar Association, Military Prosecution and Correction, as well as the Military Courts.

Speaking at the opening of the Musanze cohort, Madam UMURUNGI Providence, Chairperson of the NCHR, underscored the importance of fostering a culture of respect for human rights across all detention and correctional settings. She praised the commitment demonstrated by justice and law enforcement officials in ensuring that their institutions uphold human dignity, fairness, and the rule of law.

“This event stands as a strong demonstration of our continued collaboration in advancing the protection and promotion of human rights within our country,” said the Chairperson. “Together, let us use this opportunity to renew our shared commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all persons in detention.”

Both training cohorts share the same objectives: enhancing knowledge, coordination, and collaboration among justice actors to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

As Rwanda’s National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT), the NCHR is legally mandated to conduct regular announced and unannounced visits to all places where persons are, or may be, deprived of liberty. Through these visits, the Commission issues recommendations aimed at improving conditions of detention, preventing torture and other ill-treatment, and ensuring respect for the dignity and rights of all detained persons. The NCHR also engages relevant authorities in dialogue and advocacy to promote the effective implementation of these recommendations and strengthen accountability in detention settings.

Throughout the workshops, participants deepen their understanding of key human rights principles in the administration of justice, including due process, fair trial guarantees, and the protection of vulnerable groups such as women, children, and persons with disabilities.

The sessions also address non-custodial measures, rehabilitative approaches, and mental resilience—equipping officials with tools to better manage the stresses associated with their duties in justice and security institutions.

By the end of each cohort, participants are expected to demonstrate improved awareness of human rights standards, enhanced inter-institutional collaboration, and actionable strategies to address challenges in custodial and correctional facilities.

Chairperson UMURUNGI encouraged participants to translate training insights into tangible improvements:

“The knowledge you gain will strengthen not only your institutions but also the national justice system as a whole.”

As the second cohort commences in Nyanza, the NCHR calls upon all JRLOS institutions to sustain their collaboration and ensure that the rights and dignity of all persons—especially those in detention—are respected and upheld at all times.