Vincent Karangwa – International Bridges to Justice http://www.ibj.org Access to Justice for All Tue, 14 May 2024 11:47:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://www.ibj.org/wp_main/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/cropped-IBJ-Site-Icon-32x32.jpg Vincent Karangwa – International Bridges to Justice http://www.ibj.org 32 32 IBJ and the Kigali Bar Association on tunes in Rwanda http://www.ibj.org/2009/11/ibj-and-the-kigali-bar-association-on-tunes-in-rwanda/ Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:01:45 +0000 http://www.ibj.org/wp_main/2009/11/24/ibj-and-the-kigali-bar-association-on-tunes-in-rwanda/ Under the leadership of IBJ Rwanda fellow, John Bosco Bugingo, IBJ has conducted last Sunday 22nd November its third radio rights awareness program on Contact FM. The President of the Kigali Bar Association, Me Vincent Karangwa, honored once more the program with his presence. He was accompanied by Me Isaac Bizumunemyi, a dedicated human rights lawyer that IBJ had the pleasure to meet last summer at the 1st Legal Defense Training in Kigali.

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Above: Lawyers Isaac Bizumunemyi (left) and Herbert Rubasha (right) (Photo by John Bosco Bugingo)

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Above: The President of the Kigali Bar Association (left) and IBJ Rwanda Fellow (right) (Photo by Herbet Rubasha)

The topics of provisional detention and release under Rwandan criminal Law, the principle of presumption of innocence, legally acceptable detentions, reasons for provisional detention and release, law of evidence and bail were discussed in a constructive atmosphere.

The show created momentum among listeners: many people called and sent SMS to get clarifications on concepts that they are unfamiliar with. One of them asked what the minimum age of criminal responsibility was. Another asked what steps should be taken when someone has been unlawfully detained. From the many comments, questions and messages of encouragement received, it appears clearly that the program answers needs and a curiosity that have remained unmet until now.

The next program is scheduled for Sunday 29th November 2009. Stay tuned for updates!

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Above: Herbert Rubasha (left), member of IBJ Rwanda Advisory Council and John Bosco Bugingo (right) (Photo by Isaac Bizumunemyi)

]]> Radio programs to bring legal awareness in Rwanda http://www.ibj.org/2009/10/radio-programs-to-bring-legal-awareness-in-rwanda/ Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:02:15 +0000 http://www.ibj.org/wp_main/2009/10/22/radio-programs-to-bring-legal-awareness-in-rwanda/ It is widely agreed that most Rwandan citizens are not aware of their legal rights and responsibilities. This is especially true for individuals in rural communities. Because radio is the lifeblood of many rural communities, IBJ is launching, early November, a legal education radio program to address current exigencies in the country.

The launching date is November 1st. Contact Fm, a popular radio with nationwide broadcasts, partners with IBJ to carry out this project. Adverts informing about the campaign are already on tunes in Kinyarwanda, Rwanda’s local language. Each of the 8 programs will focus on the legal rights of the accused at the different stages of the proceeding: the rights at time of arrest, the right to legal counsel, and the rights during investigation, detention and trial.

The live talk shows will feature prominent personalities of the Rwandan criminal justice system. Among them, the Bâtonnier (President of the Kigali Bar Association) Maître Vincent Karangwa will honor the first program of his presence. Bosco, IBJ Rwanda Fellow, will lead the  discussions.

Of all the media, radio is by far the most accessible, pervasive, and most effective medium for disseminating information. Research and educational organizations that monitor the reception of programs have proven that effective educational radio programs can indeed change listeners’ behavior and lead to the growth of knowledge. This is what we envision in Rwanda, so that every man, woman and child is capable of demanding respect of their legal rights in case of arrest.

Stay tuned for updates!

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Above: From left to right: Me Vincent Karangwa, President of the Bar Association, Karen Tse, IBJ Founder and John Bosco Bugingo, IBJ Rwanda Fellow (Photo by Sanjeewa Liyanage)

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