{The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Emmanuel K. Gasana, has called upon Rwandan students in the Diaspora to live a “focused-life” by upholding Rwandan values and be exemplary in the promotion of safety and security.}
IGP Gasana made the remarks on July 26 while delivering a lecture on security to the eighth edition of the Rwandan Diaspora students on Civic Education (Itorero) training, named ‘Indangamirwa VIII’ currently underway at Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) Combat Training Centre in Gatsibo District.
The three- week training started July 12 and brings together 184 Diaspora students, including 74 girls, from 34 countries.
“Concentrate on your education in order to drive the country’s agenda and make Rwanda proud,” IGP Gasana told the students.
“But on top of that, your role as students in the Diaspora is to sensitize the outside world about Rwanda’s remarkable transformation, development, culture and the unique use home-grown initiatives to overcome challenges.”
“Always seek for opportunities to tell the world about a new Rwanda, its sustainable peace and safety we enjoy, promote solidarity and patriotism,” he said.
The IGP drew inspiration from His Excellency President Paul Kagame, noting that “Our future as a nation lies in our understanding of what is good for Rwandans and the determination to ensure stability.”
“Itorero is helpful because it inculcates Rwandan values in the young generation. During civic education, students acquire much more than the usual knowledge. This is also a great opportunity for the students to learn about governance, the country’s vision and their grand role in this journey.”
He reminded them about emerging crimes like human and drug trafficking and urged them to be Rwandan ambassadors against such crimes by providing help to any victim and working closely with law enforcement agencies through the provision of timely information.
“Every year, hundred thousands of people, especially women and children are trafficked across international borders and within their own countries. These victims are subjected to terrible human rights abuses, mainly forced labor and induced prostitution,” IGP said.
About 27 million people are said to be victims of modern-day slavery across the world, while 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year.
Eighty percent of transnational victims of human trafficking are women and girls, whereas one million children are exploited through commercial sex every year.
Last year, 19 cases of human trafficking involving 25 victims, including foreigners were registered in Rwanda, and some victims intercepted in Rwanda en route to either Europe or Asia. Twenty-three of the victims were female. About 26 suspected traffickers were also apprehended in partnership with other regional police forces.
Since 2009, RNP has handled over 36 cases involving 153 victims, including 51 Bangladeshis, intercepted in Kigali while on transit to Mozambique (in 2009); 90 per cent of the victims are also female with 82 per cent of them aged between 18 and 35, according to Police statistics
“As the new generation of educated young minds from Rwanda, you have the responsibility to speak out against these crimes and be the ears and eyes of your fellow youth who might fall victims of crimes.”
He informed them about Rwanda National Police’s local and cross-border cooperation with other Police forces and international organisations like Interpol to respond to emerging security challenges.
He also informed the students about Interpol’s definition of human trafficking, which include, recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of threats or the use of force and other forms of coercion, fraud, bribery or deception of a person having control over another person for the purposes of exploitation.
“As the youth of today, you should have knowledge about these challenges, work with law enforcers and also sensitize your communities about how to overcome these modern crimes.”
Rwanda, he observed, now requires more skilled personnel a reason it invests and counts on the youth, adding that good leadership and governance Rwanda enjoys today predicts a better future ahead.
“Today, rejoice because there is peace and security, instead strive to maintain what has been achieved and be the engine towards sustainable security and development.”
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