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Rwanda National Police

Service - Protection - Integrity

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Nyamasheke: 25 minors rescued from child labour

Police and local leaders in Nyamasheke District have warned parents and residents against using minors in hectic and harmful activities, which amounts to child labour.

The warning follows the recent rescue of 25 children, who were at the time found carrying goods to Mwezi market in Karengera Sector.

The minors carried sacks of sweet potatoes and beans, among others.

According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for  Western region, the children included those as young as seven years.

Article 6 of law No. 71/2018 of 31/08/2018 relating to the protection of the child defines a child as “any person under eighteen (18) years of age.”

“It is unfortunate that some of the children were with their parents going to the market. The heavy luggage that was supposed to be carried by parents was being carried by the children. It was also during the time when these children were supposed to be at school," CIP Karekezi said.

Parents and communities, in general, were challenged to take primary responsibility in protecting children from such harmful activities and to send them to school.

“The behavior of taking children in the market, worse still in time when they are supposed to be at school, should be fought and reported by everyone that comes across it," CIP Karekezi said.

"By fighting child labour, you are ensuring proper growth of these children, promoting their rights, education, giving them proper upbringing, ultimately protecting the country's future."

The Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA) defines child labour as the denial of children’s rights and a barrier to holistic child development.

“These inappropriate and unlawful acts directed to children are done in our communities, which deprives them of their rights. Special consideration is needed in order to protect children,” he said.