Disagreement and criticism is part of moving forward – Maina Kiai

Kigali – While there are about 10 months remaining for Rwanda to join the rest United nations in Geneva, to evaluate the UPR (Universal Periodic Review) about human rights, today the ministry of justice had discussions with Maina Kiai about  Rwanda’s way forward.

The special rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association Maina Kiai did a report in 2011 about Rwanda showing gaps in NGO registration process, peaceful demonstration, the freedom of political parties as well as freedom of the press.

The government of Rwanda disagreed to some details of the report.

Eugene Rusanganwa in charge of human rights and international agreements in the ministry of Justice says that some details were not applicable to Rwanda.

“And it is our rights of Rwanda to say that we disagree with some details of the report” he said.

Some expressed confusion on why the ministry of justice invited Mr. Kiai, while Rwanda criticized his report. Mr Eugene Rusanganwa says they consider him as an expert in the UN systems.

“We wanted him to see our way forward so that he can give us some recommendations” he said.

About the concern of chilling him down for the next report to appear better, the ministry and other institutions vehemently refute it, saying that there are facts of what have been being done these last three years.

Peace-Maker Mbungiramihigo, executive secretary of Rwanda Media High Council who was invited by the ministry of Justice said that nowadays journalists have a self regulatory body, RMC( Rwanda Media Commision), and the media industry have been growing so far, which contribute to the diversity of opinions.

“Now there 5 TV stations, about 26 radios, about 30 print newspapers and 40 freely operating online media.” he confirmed.

Today, Mr Kiai showed ministry officials that Rwanda did tremendous effort these 20 last years, in terms of development and social economy. He said that people don’t criticize Rwanda on misusing taxpayers’ resources or donor funds, not even corruption.

As a recommendation he said that even if Rwanda can change policy and laws, what is important for people like him (UN special rapporteur) will be looking at is practices and implementation of recommendations.

He added that they should also consider reviewing the process of NGO and political parties registration.

Even though he had some disagreement with the government of Rwanda at a certain extent, he acknowledges that people can learn from disagreements “It is form disagreement that people look for agreements. Disagreement and criticism is part of moving forward” He said.

As far as human rights are concerned, the government of Rwanda is required to check into the issues of arbitral detention and the problem of human trafficking.

The last problem was also raised last week by His Excellence Paul KAGAME, in the parliament.

Alain Joseph MBARUSHIMANA
UM– USEKE.RW