National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has reported a 30 per cent reduction in correctional facilities overcrowding in Rwanda since 2023/2024.
Providence Umurungi, the Chairperson of the Commission, said this on Wednesday, October 15, while presenting the Commission’s annual report to both chambers of Parliament.
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Umurungi attributed the decline primarily to the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, such as mediation and plea bargaining as well as the opening of Nyamasheke Correctional Facility.
She said an inspection conducted in March 2025 to assess the respect of prisoners’ rights, the Commission found that overcrowding had fallen from 134.3 per cent in 2023/2024 to 110 per cent in 2024/2025. By August 31, this year, Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) reported a further drop to 103.8 per cent, she added.
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Umurungi indicated that continued use and increased understanding of ADR would bring further improvements in reducing congestion.
"We also conducted advocacy for correctional facilities such as Rwamagana, which continue to face overcrowding and strain nearby health facilities due to their large inmate population. This could pose serious challenges, especially during disease outbreaks such as tuberculosis,” she said.
"I hope the measures taken continue to be implemented. Reducing overcrowding from more than 134 per cent to around 100 per cent is a major achievement,” she said.
Senator Sosthene Cyitatire also praised the decline, highlighting the role played by the opening of Nyamasheke Correction Facility in easing congestion.
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Umurungi said the Commission plans to continue advocacy to improve conditions in correctional facilities and detention centres.
During inspections over several months, the Commission recorded that 112 detention centres held a total of 5,927 inmates, including 5,096 men, 602 women, 211 boys, and 18 girls.
"The centres do not provide special diets or treatment for those with specific needs. Children detained with their mothers often lack appropriate care unless officials make individual arrangements,” Umurungi explained.
The Commission also requested information from the Office of the Prosecutor General regarding cases resolved through plea bargaining. Since the programme began, 21,697 cases have been concluded, with 11,846 resolved in 2024/2025 alone.
NCHR’s report highlighted improvements in detention facilities, noting better respect for detainees’ rights to decent living conditions and timely investigation or prosecution. Detainees are increasingly informed of their rights.