Kigali, June 2026 – Rwanda has reaffirmed its leadership in advancing human rights in Africa by successfully hosting the 4th Conference of the African National Preventive Mechanisms Network (ANPMN), bringing together experts and institutions from across the continent to strengthen the protection of women and children in places of detention.

Held from 24 to 26 June 2026 under the theme "Women and Children in Detention: Gender-Responsive and Child-Sensitive NPM Approaches," the conference brought together representatives of National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs), National Human Rights Institutions, government officials, civil societies, regional and international partners, and human rights experts from across the continent.

The three-day conference provided a valuable platform for participants to exchange experiences, share good practices, and identify practical approaches to improving the protection of women and children deprived of their liberty, while strengthening preventive monitoring mechanisms in places of detention.

Opening the conference, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights, Madam. Providence Umurungi, underscored the need for detention systems that respond to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women and children.

"Places of detention were historically designed with adult men in mind. As a result, women and children often face unique challenges that require gender-responsive and child-sensitive approaches to ensure that their rights and dignity are fully protected," she said.

She emphasized that stronger collaboration among National Preventive Mechanisms and other stakeholders is essential to enhancing preventive monitoring, promoting compliance with international human rights standards, and preventing torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Throughout the conference, participants discussed practical strategies for strengthening detention oversight, promoting alternatives to detention where appropriate, and integrating gender-responsive and child-sensitive approaches into preventive monitoring. Discussions also focused on improving detention conditions, protecting vulnerable persons deprived of their liberty, and reinforcing cooperation among African National Preventive Mechanisms.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to deepen regional cooperation, strengthen the capacity of National Preventive Mechanisms, and promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices in preventing torture across the continent. Participants reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that detention monitoring fully reflects the particular needs and rights of women and children.

As host of the conference, the National Commission for Human Rights reaffirmed its commitment to advancing human rights, strengthening preventive monitoring mechanisms, and working closely with national, regional, and international partners to promote humane treatment and respect for the dignity of all persons deprived of their liberty.

The successful hosting of the 4th ANPMN Conference further positions Rwanda as an active contributor to continental efforts aimed at strengthening human rights protection and advancing the implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) and other international human rights standards.