On Monday, 25th January 2021 in Geneva Switzerland, the Human Rights Council reviewed for the third time the Human Rights record of Rwanda under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Rwanda Delegation was composed of the minister of Justice / Attorney General, Busingye Johnston, the Minister of Local Government, Prof. Shyaka Anastase; Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) Chief Executive Officer, Dr. KAITESI Usta; Minister Councilor and DPR in the Embassy of Rwanda in Geneva, James Ngango Gatuku and Umurungi Providence, Head of International Justice and Judicial Cooperation Department in the Ministry of Justice.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General Busingye Johnston who led the delegation said that the submitted UPR national report is the result of wide consultations throughout the five years that followed the second review.

“We are pleased to report that the process has been inclusive and open to all stakeholder.” He added

He stressed that the Universal Periodic Review is a national process that daily benefits Rwandans rather than an event in Geneva where the Government of Rwanda appears to give account on their human.

“This review leaves us with renewed commitment to further reinforce the promotion, protection and respect of human rights, which is a commitment founded in the Rwandans’ Constitutional pledge to build a State governed by the rule of law, based on the respect for human rights, freedom and on the principle of equality of all Rwandans before the law as well as equality between men and women.” Minister said

Minister Busingye concluded by reiterating Rwanda’s commitment and support to the UPR mechanism and thanking stakeholders for their invaluable support and role in the process.

The Universal Periodic Review is a unique process which involves a review of the Human Rights records of all United Nations member states. The ultimate aim of this mechanism is to improve the Human Rights situation in all countries and address human rights violations where they occur. 

The report of the UPR Working Group is set to be adopted on 29 January 2021.