Rwanda National Police

The mayor of Rwamagana District Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi has asked rice farmers in the district to ensure that minors are prevented and protected from child labour activities, and other malpractices.

He made the call on June 27, during a meeting with at least 127 heads and representatives of cooperatives of rice growers in Rwamagana.

The farmers are from the sectors of Muhazi, Gishari, Rubona, Kigabiro and Munyaga.

“Child labor negatively affects both the physical and mental of a growing child,” mayor Mbonyumuvunyi told the farmers.

He further noted that besides being criminal to use minors in hard labour activities, it can be a breeding ground for wrongdoers as they grow up misguided and doing other unlawful acts like abusing drugs.

Although Rwamagana has very fewer cases of child labor, according to the Mayor, even a single case counts and shouldn’t be entertained.

He challenged parents and communities in general to take primary responsibility in protecting children from such harmful activities, and ensure their proper upbringing with proper education and healthy.

The mayor also commended the leadership of Rwanda National Police and its partners for establishing Gishari Integrated Polytechnic (GIP), which he said that it has offered free vocational skills to the youth in the district.

Inspector of Police (IP) Goreth Uwimana, the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) said that although police is conducting awareness campaigns against child labour, anyone who will be found using minors in hazardous and child labour activities will be brought to justice.

At least 7,000 children have been rescued from child labour in the last seven years, according to statistics.