Musanze, March 26, 2026 — The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has kicked off a two-day training aimed at strengthening safeguards against torture and ill-treatment in rehabilitation centers.

The workshop, underway at the Rwanda Peace Academy, Musanze, brings together officers from the Rwanda National Police, Districts’ DASSO coordinators, and managers and or coordinators of rehabilitation centers across the country.

In Rwanda, rehabilitation centers are facilities that receive individuals with deviant behaviors such as drug abuse, street delinquency, or other social vulnerabilities, with the aim of providing counselling, vocational skills, and support for reintegration into society.

As part of its mandate as the National Preventive Mechanism against torture (NPM), NCHR continues to conduct regular visits to places of deprivation of liberty, monitor conditions, and carry out awareness and capacity-building initiatives to prevent human rights violations.

Opening the training, NCHR Chairperson UMURUNGI Providence said strengthening the capacity of frontline actors is key to ensuring respect for human dignity.

“Preventing torture starts with awareness, professionalism, and accountability. This training is designed to ensure that all actors uphold the rights and dignity of persons deprived of liberty,” she said.

The sessions will focus on lawful arrest procedures, protection of rights in rehabilitation centers, and practical ways to address risks of ill-treatment.

The training, which runs until March 27, is expected to enhance coordination among stakeholders and reinforce a sustained rights-based approach within Rwanda’s rehabilitation system.