The field assessment and campaign against gender based violence in Kirehe District ended on December 30 with a call for leaders at all levels to be keen on fighting the vice.
The leaders were also told to guide the people on how to live in harmony or where to channel their grievances.
The call was made by different officials on December 30 when a joint team composed of officials from the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO), Rwanda National Police (RNP) and the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) addressed residents of Nyamugali Sector and the management of Mahama refugee camp which was also visited.
The field visit aimed at assessing the implementation of practices that promote gender equality and barriers hindering fast progress towards full realization of the anti GBV Policies.
While addressing the leaders and the residents, Rose Rwabuhihi, the Chief Gender Monitor commended the management structure which involves women and men in Mahama camp, which she said is one of the vital factors in addressing gender related issues and ensuring women rights.
“It’s good that interveners like those in health, legal and security work jointly to offer holistic services to the affected refugees, but there’s still need for vigorous awareness for the people here to understand their rights in line with the Rwandan laws and where to report injustices they face,” said Rwabuhihi.
Currently, there are male and female police officers attached to the camp, and this Rwabuhihi said it gives the victims of GBV or child abuse to open up to the person of their choice, freely.
She urged them to break silence on violence they face, uphold the principles of non discrimination and respect of equal rights between women and men.
They were also explained on various measures in place to fight GBV and child abuse like Isange One Stop Centre which they were told to use to facilitate their free medical, psycho-socio and legal services, and to break silence about violence they face for effective response.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Morris Murigo, the deputy commissioner for CID, while echoing the same message of breaking silence, said that “confidentiality of a victim is kept intact” adding that their “security is assured.”
He appealed to the residents and leaders to strengthen partnership with Police, be close and work with the people, understand their security challenges so that they can be addressed, and explain to them to respect Rwandan laws, which govern them as people living in Rwanda.
During the visit the team also toured Rusumo border post where they encouraged the border staff and residents to be vigilant and ensure prevention of Likely Human trafficking through their post, pointing out that Trafficking in Human Being is a serious violation of rights some times based on gender.
Meanwhile, the residents queued at the Mobile Police Station van which was stationed in Nyamugali Sector to register complaints.
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