In a bid to further raise awareness against crimes, Rwanda National Police (RNP) conducted a one-day community policing sensitization campaign in Kigeme refugee camp where officers urged camp leaders to take a lead in fighting and campaigning against crime.
Located in Nyamagabe District, the camp accommodates 18,764 DR Congo refugees.
The awareness against crime held on December 16 targeted the 78 camp leaders and equipping them with knowledge on crimes like Gender Based Violence (GBV), drug abuse, human trafficking and introduce them to the concept of community policing.
IP Ignace Uwayo, the District Community Liaison Officer of Nyamagabe told the camp leaders that, “abusing drugs can cause insecurity in the camp and communities because it affect people’s mind and their ability to perform that is why you need to take a lead in fighting them.”
IP Uwayo went on to urge camp leaders to sensitize refugees to always report cases of gender based violence in time so as to facilitate the police to fight, prevent and investigate such crimes.
To ensure their security, Police also warned youth in the camps to be mindful of people who may offer them school opportunities abroad or well paying jobs to lure them into human trafficking, and also asked them to always report such incidents.
“Some of the crimes we found in the camps include domestic violence, rape and environmental destruction. During our sensitization campaign, we encouraged refugees to also abide by Rwandan laws,” he said.
The overall camp manager, Rosette Uwambayikirezi, commended the government of Rwanda for its continued support.
She also appreciated Rwanda National Police for its outreach programmes that aim at ensuring human security.
Rwanda National Police has held similar campaigns in different refugee camps to ensure crime prevention and security for refugees on the Rwandan territory.
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