Human rights projects in Rwanda

Projects currently underway include:

1. An initiative in the Northern Province, implemented by the St Dominique Savio NGO, which is tackling violence against women and minority groups in the Gicumbi area, helping people deal with social issues without resorting to violence, and encouraging women and the local community to play an active part in resolving disputes.
   
   
2. In Nyagatare in the Eastern Province, we are funding the Zamuka NGO to help the local community build lasting peace in an area which still experiences genocide-related violence.  Rwanda has made great steps in moving forward since the 1994 Genocide, and the High Commission is proud to support the Zamuka organisation in trying to build a peaceful future for the community.
   
   
3. In the Western Province, with our support the Inshuti NGO is training the local population to understand their basic human rights, and helping them to understand what these mean for them as individuals
   
   
4. In previous years projects, our project work has focused on helping Rwanda develop its capacity to report to the UN, as it is required to do under key human rights conventions to which it is party    

In 2009, Rwanda joined the Commonwealth, a unique international grouping which is often described as an “alliance of values”.  One of the key Commonwealth values, which Rwanda and the UK share, is respe4ct for fundamental human rights.  In March 2011, FCO Minister Lord Howell gave a speech entitled “ The Commonwealth: Face of the Future? ”, which sets out some of the shared principles of the Commonwealth, including women’s’ rights.  Also in March 2011, HM The Queen, who is Head of the Commonwealth, issued a message on the occasion of International Women’s Day , in which she celebrated “the great social and political strides made both by and for women in the last hundred years”.

Our “ Country Profile ” on Rwanda goes into more detail on current human rights issues in Rwanda.