The assessment also examined the implementation of recommendations issued by NCHR as part of efforts to strengthen the protection of the rights of detainees and promote compliance with human rights standards.
The review was conducted on July 10, 2026, bringing together key government institutions and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Local Government, Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Rwanda National Police, National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA), Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), civil society organisations, and human rights advocates.
The study covered 13 correctional facilities, 26 RIB detention centres, various justice facilities, and involved discussions with 156 detainees to assess their living conditions and access to basic rights.
The research was carried out by the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), which examined the level of human rights protection in detention facilities, the views of officials working in the justice and correctional sectors, prison officers’ understanding of detainees’ welfare, and the extent to which recommendations from NCHR inspections had been implemented.
NCHR highlights impact of monitoring efforts
NCHR Chairperson Umurungi Providence said the study was necessary to provide clear evidence on the Commission’s impact since it was given the mandate in 2018 to monitor human rights conditions in correctional facilities, oversee places of detention, and support efforts to prevent torture.
She explained that the findings would help identify remaining challenges and guide the development of solutions to improve conditions for detainees.
“Since the Commission began serving as Rwanda’s National Preventive Mechanism [NPM] against torture in 2018, it has carried out monitoring visits in detention facilities across the country and issued numerous recommendations to relevant institutions. These recommendations aim to improve the welfare of detainees, protect their rights, and ensure compliance with both national laws and international human rights standards,” Umurungi said.
She added that NCHR’s monitoring activities have contributed significantly to improving the management and administration of detention facilities.
However, she noted that the Commission found it important to evaluate whether its recommendations were being implemented effectively and sustainably.
“The findings of this study will support institutions in making informed decisions, improving their practices, and developing strategies that further promote respect for human rights in correctional facilities and other places of detention,” she said.
ILPD conducts independent review
To maintain objectivity, NCHR partnered with ILPD to independently conduct the research. The institution visited correctional facilities, detention centres, justice institutions, and engaged with detainees to understand how their conditions have changed over the past eight years.
ILPD Vice-Rector in Charge of Academic and Research Affairs, Sezirahiga Yves, said while NCHR had been conducting regular inspections, an independent assessment was needed to compare findings and provide a broader understanding of progress made.
“In our research, we also assessed 84 recommendations that the Commission had issued over time and examined how they had been implemented. We found that in areas where progress was limited, the main challenge was often a lack of resources, although there was commitment and willingness to address the issues,” he said.
The study aims to identify areas that still require improvement in ensuring the full protection of human rights for people held in correctional facilities and other detention centres.
NCHR continues to implement programmes focused on protecting, promoting, and raising awareness about human rights, while strengthening efforts to prevent torture in line with its legal mandate.
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