As the frequency of DNA paternity tests surges, the umbrella Human Rights Organization (CLADHO) has issued a stark warning, highlighting the potential risks faced by children in the absence of adequate protective measures.
A recently released report by Rwanda Forensic Laboratory shows a significant increase in the number of paternity tests, soaring from 168 in 2018/19 to 780 in 2022/23.
Lab records show that 246 paternity tests were performed in 2019/20, 424 tests in 2020/21, and 599 in 2021/22, and then 780 tests in 2022/23.
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An official from the institution explained to The New Times that the surge in DNA paternity tests can partly be attributed to the accessibility of DNA services and greater awareness campaigns across the the country.
Established in 2018, the Forensic Science Laboratory is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Justice.
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The Forensic Science Laboratory is the sole provider of forensic and advisory service to law enforcement agencies in the country and is fast becoming a prominent forensic service provider across the region.
In 2018, the Kacyiru-based laboratory started receiving requests for DNA tests at the cost of Rwf270, 000, nearly half what it would cost in some countries, including Germany.
However, members of the Lower Chamber of Parliament have expressed concern over the high cost of DNA tests at the National Forensic Laboratory, urging the government to consider ways to bring it down.
While these are factors that could fuel the continuous rise in DNA paternity tests, Head of Programs and National Child Rights Observer at CLADHO, Evariste Murwanashyaka urged the government to come up with strong measures to protect children’s rights in case of emergence of paternity wrangles.
"DNA is necessary in case of mistrust between partners although we urge couples to trust each other. We have realised that when results are out, the children are sometimes tortured, deprived of their rights, lack home and go to the street given that most of the couples in this conflict end up in divorce,” he said.
He said that the results are also causing psychosocial effects among children.
"DNA paternity results are disintegrating families when the father no longer has the legal obligation to care for the child. Children should first be protected. The rights of the child should always be protected when the couple separates. The child usually remains with their mother, but I think the couple should keep looking after the children together,” Murwanashyaka noted.
He called upon different institutions in charge of child protection to educate families about children's rights, particularly in case of DNA paternity testing.
Innocent Muramira, a lawyer, argued: "When you find out that a child is not yours, biologically, you can not fault them. Fathers in that situation should continue to take care of the child even if they are not their biological father. Otherwise the mother can look for the biological father of the child or the State can intervene on how to take care of such children.”
He noted that that DNA should be ordered by court.
"I really think a DNA test is vital because it may prevent issues which may arise at a later date. However, it is not prudent for a father to start guessing about his children and going around for partenity tests. We have seen families getting issues but it all comes down to the trust and intentions of the partners,” he said.
Debate in Uganda
Meanwhile, Uganda has significantly reduced the number of laboratories approved to offer DNA testing services in the wake of a spike in demand for paternity tests in the country.
Figures show that seven out of 10 paternity tests turned out positive.
However, prevalence of DNA laboratories in Uganda had raised public concern on the credibility of paternity test results, amid reports of defective machines and switching of samples.
Following government's intervention it was decided that two entities, privately-owned MBN chain and the Government Analytical Laboratory, were the accredited facilities to conduct the tests in the country.
Earliear this month lawmakers expressed concern at the high number of DNA tests sought in the country, especially by men to resolve kinship disputes.
Ugandan police, marriage counsellors and religious leaders also expressed similar concerns, according to reports.
Although debate is mostly around men who seek to confirm offspring from past relationships, others seeking patenity tests include menseeking reassurance that they fathered the child or children in question, fathers in distant relationships, women inquiring about paternity on behalf of their children, relatives from the paternal side, women seeking child support, and children who want to know who their biological parents are.