Six representatives of European countries in Rwanda have commended the progress the country has made in the judiciary sector in the last 20 years. They made the commendation yesterday during a visit to Muhanga prison meant to assess the welfare of inmates and how they are helped to access justice.
The European Union, especially Netherlands contribute a lot to supporting Rwanda’s judicial sector in decentralizing justice services.
Netherland’s ambassador in Rwanda, Frederick de Man noted that the progress Rwanda has made in the justice sector is commendable.
“In 1997, I was with the Dutch minister of justice. I don’t know whether he visited this prison. But when he returned to me, he said that what he saw was horrible and that we needed to support Rwanda to build judicial systems and prisons. Based on what I have witnessed, when I return to my country I will tell him that there is great transformation compared to the past situation,” she said.
The European Union Head of Delegation to Rwanda, Michael Ryan appreciated the achievements in Correctional Services and enabling access to justice but requested that next time they be allowed to enter different corners of the prison since yesterday they were not allowed to enter the cell in which inmates are detained.
“We are happy for the cooperation with the government of Rwanda but I want you to inform the Ministry of Justice that next time we visit similar prison, you should let us enter all corners since cooperating is something rooted on mutual trust,” he said.
The head of Muhanga prison, Spt.Christophe Rudakubana said that denying the delegation to enter every corner of the prison was caused by the kind of authorization they requested from Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS).
“To visit a prison requires authorization from Commissioner General. Today they requested to visit inmates outside especially regarding judicial services delivery. We would allow them if they requested authorization of entering inside the correctional services. They only asked permission to meet inmates outside,” he said.
The visit was held at the same time staff of the Legal Aid Forum (LAF) was giving tips in to inmates on how they should behave in next court hearing.
Munyamahoro Rene, the representative of Legal Aid Forum said that they provide legal aid for inmates who need advice on how they should behave during their appeal and explain laws to inmates that help them to be satisfied with the punishment or appeal.
“While providing legal aid we advise them on their rights since some inmates may be jailed without being aware of their rights,” he said.
Muhanga prison accommodates 3,936 inmates of who 432 are women while children under 18 are 10. There are also 54 children born in the prison.
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