Rwanda

Country Background

Measured by per capita GDP, Rwanda ranks among the world’s 20 poorest countries. With the development agenda straining to meet a myriad of needs, few resources are directed towards developing the rule of law. Poorly trained and poorly paid police forces resort to torture as the cheapest form of investigation – the surest and swiftest way of securing a suspect’s confession. These practices undermine any confidence in the rule of law and poison the country’s goal of national reconciliation.

Despite the difficult circumstances, IBJ strives to deliver real hope to ordinary people in Rwanda who are accused of crime, those most vulnerable to human rights abuses.

What we do

IBJ coordinates a group of lawyers in a criminal defense taskforce to provide free legal representation and promote change within the criminal justice system.
IBJ conducts rights awareness campaigns, informing thousands of individuals of their legal rights.
Together with the Kigali Bar Association IBJ organizes trainings and workshops for Rwandan criminal defense lawyers.

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IBJ Country Facts

Program established 2010.
Defender Resource Center operating in Kigali.
265 cases already handled.
Over 30,000 individuals made aware of their legal rights.
Over 200 justice officials attended IBJ trainings and roundtables.
Two radio rights awareness campaigns conducted, reaching over 200,000 individuals.

Future challenges:

Consolidate the Kigali Defender Resource Center and establish new Defender Resource Centers to meet the country’s needs.
Continue capacity building and training for criminal defense lawyers.
Expand efforts to raise legal rights awareness among ordinary Rwandan citizens.