State Minister UWIZEYIMANA Evode said this on Wednesday 18^th July 2018, in Nyarugenge Prison-Mageragere while celebrating Mandela International Day for the second time in Rwanda. The celebration of Mandela International Day was initiated by the United Nations in 2009 in honour of Nelson Mandela who was South African President and who fought for human rights and model inmate.  The theme for this year’s Mandela International Day in Rwanda is:  “Rights and responsibilities of inmate is the foundation for correction”. 

While speaking to the participants, State Minister Evode Uwizeyimana  said that Rwanda as a rule of law country   and member  to UN, was not left behind  in celebrating  Mandela International Day, as last year it was celebrated in Huye Prison. He further talked about the main reason why Rwanda chose to celebrated it in prison: “The aim is to give time to inmates  to reflect on why they are in prison to help them  get prepared for  after jail life and  make sure that they go back to the community totally corrected”.

The State Minister Evode Uwizeyimana told them that even though the Government always seeks to maximise inmates’ wellbeing and rights, it also requires them to get corrected and observe good culture especially while in Prison. “A decent inmate on the way of getting corrected respects all what is required by laws of the country and observe instructions put in place by correctional entity” He emphasized.

He concluded his remarks by requesting inmates to reflect on their future life after they have completed their sentences and they are released in the community, as they will not stay in prison forever.  Further, he invited them to take part in various correctional activities taking place in prison. “Today you are here as inmates; however, you will not stay here forever and we do not wish it to be like that. I would like to request everyone to think about their future career after jail life”. State Minister underlined.  

<link file:1771 download file>Click here to read the full speech by Minister of State during the celebration of Mandela International day.