Kigali, July10, 2026 – The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) today convened a validation workshop to review the findings of an impact assessment of its monitoring activities in places of detention, with the aim of strengthening the protection of the rights and dignity of persons deprived of liberty in Rwanda.

Held in Kigali, the workshop brought together representatives from government institutions, the justice sector, civil society organizations, development partners and academia to validate the report titled Strengthening Human Dignity Behind Bars: An Impact Assessment of the National Commission for Human Rights' Monitoring Activities in Places of Detention in Rwanda.

Opening the workshop, NCHR Chairperson Providence Umurungi called on participants to critically review the report and provide technical input to ensure it accurately reflects the realities in places of detention and serves as a practical tool for future reforms.

"Validation is not merely a procedural requirement. It is an opportunity to critically examine the evidence, enrich the analysis through your technical expertise and build consensus on practical recommendations that will strengthen detention monitoring and the protection of human rights," she said.

Conducted by the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), the study assessed the effectiveness of NCHR's monitoring activities and the implementation of its recommendations. The assessment covered 13 correctional facilities, 26 Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) custody facilities, justice sector institutions, civil society organizations and 156 incarcerated persons.

The workshop provided stakeholders with an opportunity to review the study's methodology, findings and recommendations before the report is finalized and published. It is expected to strengthen stakeholder ownership, support evidence-based reforms and enhance institutional collaboration to improve detention conditions and safeguard the rights of persons deprived of liberty.

As Rwanda's National Preventive Mechanism under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT), the NCHR conducts regular monitoring visits to places of detention to help prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment while promoting compliance with national and international human rights standards.