Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has reached out to residents in the Western Province with a message aimed at fighting gender-based violence (GBV) and child abuse in the region.

The nationwide campaign which has already reached out to all provinces in the country is aimed at increasing awareness and partnership between police and the public in fighting GBV and child abuse, as well as consolidating strategies that exist in overcoming the scourge.

The western province campaign was held in Ngororero District on April 24, and attracted hundreds of residents, as well as provincial and district leaders.

Others present at the campaign were representatives of District Administrative Security Support Organ (DASSO) and Community Policing Committees (CPCs).

In his remarks, the Mayor of Ngororero, Gedeon Ruboneza, noted that ending GBV and child abuse requires individual and collective efforts at all levels.

“We all should first understand our individual role in ending inequality and violence directed to women and children. It is abominable to deny women and children their rights and we should collectively work together to protect them,” he said.

“For our country to continue on its path of development, GBV and child abuse must never be tolereated in society. Starting at family level, we should ensure that women and children enjoy the security and safety that is created in Rwanda and also support their empowerment.”

The Coordinator of National Women Council in Ngororero, Christine Kampire, recongnised the role of Police in protecting women rights, and called upon Rwandans in general to report culprits of GBV to authorities and security organs in order to deter the habit.

“We cannot afford to keep quiet if an illegal act is performed on any woman or child in society. We should report such cases and ensure that the culprits do not hide among other members of societies,” she said.

The Director of Anti Gender-Based Violence and Child Abuse in RNP, Superintendent of Police (SP) Beline Mukamana, noted that GBV affects individuals, families and also hampers the development of the country – and that the main challenge is - to ensure that Rwandans understand the gravity of these crimes and their consequences.

“We should all be watchful in society and ensure that those who do not respect the rights of others do not go unpunished. Police has put in place strategies to ensure that women and children are protected, while at the same time ensuring that victims of GBV are provided with treatment,” she said.

Her message was echoed by the Deputy Commissioner General of Police Stanley Nsabimana, who added that: "Rwandans should continue working together to stump out GBV and child abuse. We should always come up with strategies to discuss among ourselves and find solutions to persistent challenges that we face in dealing with this challenge.”

The national Anti-GBV campaign was held under the theme "Responsibility for All."