Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) in Rutsiro District in cooperation with the local leaders urged the members of “Friends of the Family committee” Committees to take the lead in ensuring maximum respect of children’s rights.

Friends of the Family are two community-based child and family protection volunteers, one man and one women. Their responsibilities include promoting child rights, protecting children from violence, abuse, and exploitation, mobilizing against early pregnancies and school drop outs, and promoting equal rights of children with disabilities.

During their training, Friends of the Family committee were also reminded of their key responsibilities and to actively take part in fighting child early pregnancies.

In his address to the committee members the District Community Liaison Officer, Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Jean Bosco Mugenzi, challenged them to strengthen their partnership with security organs in a bid to advance children’s rights and ensure that laws protecting children are enforced.

 “Children must be protected as from any form of discrimination and other child abuse related cases like defilement, abortion, child labor, and assault. It is our obligation to ensure that children reach their full potential by initiating practical measures in the communities” he added.

“Child protection one of the priorities of our country so we should not let our children’s rights be abused.”

AIP Mugenzi went on to say that; “members if Friends of the Family should lead with the best practices and values in ensuring and promoting children’s right so as to influence communities. Reporting of cases of child abuse to police can also help in protecting children and ensuring their rights.”

Speaking at the training the Rutsiro district gender based monitor, Jotham Niyonteze, said that parents and guardians need to constantly offer help and guidance to their children. This can easily work out through community programs like Friends of the Family and Evening of Parents.