Rwanda National Police

The   Rwanda National Police awareness against Gender Based Violence and child abuse was on Thursday held in Ngororero District with a call for area residents to strengthen their cooperation in the ongoing countrywide to fight and prevent the vice.

The nationwide awareness started late last month in Musanze district.

It is conducted in partnership with the ministries of Health, Gender and Family Promotion, Justice, the Netherland Embassy in Rwanda and the One UN.

It is being conducted under the theme; “Act Together in Prevention and Response to GBV & Child Abuse.”

The Governor of the Western Province Caritas Mukandasira, while addressing hundreds of residents noted that in the last eight months, 45 cases of defilement, 19 cases of rape and 71 cases of domestic violence especially between spouses, were recorded in the region.

She noted that such acts deprive people of their basic rights “and must be fought at all time at all levels.”

Mukandasira said GBV-related effects have far reaching effects on individuals, families and the country in general such as deaths, HIV infections, unwanted pregnancies and early parenthood.

Commissioner of Police (CP) Emmanuel Butera, Commissioner for Operations in Rwanda National Police, said GBV is among the three most committed crimes in the country adding that RNP remains committed to fight and prevent it.

CP Butera thanked partners in this noble cause but called for strengthened cooperation between all public and private entities and communities to combat the vice.

He also warned bar owners against giving alcoholic beverages to people under the age of 18 which is illegal and punishable under Rwandan laws.

“The youth are the future leaders of this country, we have the primary obligation of nurturing them and turn them into responsible and competent citizens that would help in the development of the country, but that might not be possible if we let them involve in consuming alcohol at a tender age and even take illicit drugs,” he said.

“Tell me any parent that would not feel happy if their children are in schools” he wondered urging parents to protect their children and take them to school.