Rwanda National Police

The youth from different faith-based organization in Muhanga and Kamonyi districts have been tutored on their role in standing up and preserving children’s rights.

This was during the separate meetings with Police officers held on July 14.

In Muhanga, the District Community Liaison Officer, Inspector of Police (IP) Innocent Musabyimana gave a lecture on the laws protecting children and the role of faith based organizations in ensuring the laws are abided with.

IP Musabyimana urged them to advocate for children rights and to urge their congregations to fight against child abuse cases such as physical, emotional, sexual abuse and child neglect.

He appealed to them to convey to children a message that they are loved and valued, rather than imposing violence and other acts that prevent them from developing into youthful members of society.

“Some parents and guardians are frequently causing their children to feel frightened or in danger by constantly exposing them to domestic violence – and witnessing or hearing ill treatment between their own parents. Such conflicts influence children to engage into other malpractices such as abusing drugs and fighting since they feel lonely,” he said.

Musabyimana, however, said that the youth especially those in churches have the power to influence a positive change by preserving the children’s rights and urging everybody to do so.

“We must therefore treat each child in society like they are our own; every  one should be the eyes and ears of lawfulness in society by immediately reporting cases of child abuse to police. Through quick response, we can protect the children,” the DCLO said.

RNP has a fully-fledged Anti-GBV and Child Protection directorate.

The meeting was also attended by church leaders who were also asked to ensure they rally their congregations against abuse of children’s rights.