Member of Parliament Euthalie Nyirabega has urged couples to stand up against conflicts and gender based violence, saying each has an obligation to offer a solution to the problem. The lawmaker was speaking yesterday in Nyanza District during an awareness campaign against gender based violence and human trafficking organised by Rwanda National Police and the district. About 5, 000 people, including students and area residents turned up for the awareness exercise. “It should be the responsibility of everyone especially parents to act in an exemplary manner and to cooperate with all institutions to combat incidences of GBV, child abuse and also report other families facing domestic conflicts,” Nyirabega said. She appealed to students and the youth in general to break silence about gender and domestic challenges they face. She further reminded youth to be vigilant to avoid falling victims of human trafficking and report people who try to lure them with promises of better offers. Students were also reminded on the dangers of drug abuse and urged to join the campaign against the vice. Assistant Commissioner of Police Theos Badege, Commissioner of Criminal Investigations Department said human trafficking is a global threat which should be treated seriously. He explained that some children end up in exploitative and hard labour activities after offering them empty promises of better jobs while girls end up sexually harassed. He also noted that violence against women and girls is still a challenge to security organs which requires all Rwandans to stand up against it. “You should be the eye witnesses and report family conflicts in time before they turn violent,” ACP Badege told students. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
