Review of Rwanda’s Fifth Periodic Report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

The UN Human Rights Committee has concluded today its review of Rwanda’s Fifth Periodic Report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), held in Geneva on 21–22 October 2026.

Rwanda’s delegation led by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, highlighted the country’s progress in protecting civil and political rights and engaging in constructive dialogue with the Committee on its continued efforts to advance human rights.

In his statement, the Minister underscored the importance of Rwanda’s history in shaping its commitment to human rights, stating:

“The experience of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi demonstrated the devastating consequences of discrimination, hate speech and institutional failure. Rwanda has therefore sought to build institutions that protect individual rights while preserving the unity and security necessary for every person to enjoy those rights.”

Rwanda continues to advance justice-sector reforms, including alternatives to imprisonment. The Criminal Justice Policy adopted in 2022 promotes diversion, rehabilitation and restorative justice, while recognizing imprisonment as a measure of last resort.

Between the 2022/23 and 2025/26 financial years, 36,227 cases were resolved through plea bargaining and 1,857 through victim–offender mediation, bringing the total to 38,084 cases by June 2026. From 2016 to 2026, 23,938 persons were granted parole, while 1,028 benefited from presidential pardons. Together with community service and other lawful measures, these approaches support reintegration and help manage occupancy in correctional facilities.

Rwanda reaffirmed that civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights are equally essential to human dignity, sustainable development and lasting peace. The country remains committed to strengthening the rule of law and working with national and international stakeholders to translate its human rights obligations into practical improvements in the enjoyment of rights by all.