Health is a fundamental human right, which is indispensable for the exercise of other human rights. According to Article 21 of the Constitution of Rwanda, every Rwandan is entitled to the right to good health without discrimination. Article 45 of the Constitution gives the government a duty to promote activities that ensure good health. The right to health has also been given special attention in other Rwandan laws. Despite the laws in place, stigma and discrimination are still prevalent. Noting the prevailing stigma and discrimination by law enforcement officers and social affairs officers, Health Development Initiative (HDI) moved to sensitize and equipped 33 District Administration Security Support Organ (DASSO) officials and civil status registrars with knowledge about human rights, which will enable them to conduct their work without bias or judgment. The two-day workshop held between May 27 and 28 targeted law enforcement officers and local leaders in all sectors of Nyarugenge District in Kigali City so that they are well-informed about all aspects of the constitutional provisions for human rights and the right to health. The workshop also gave the officials space to air out the challenges they encounter in their daily work. Officials in charge of social affairs play a key role in the social protection and welfare services of individual families in Rwandan communities. DASSO, on the other hand, has the critical task of supporting district authorities to enforce their decisions and instructions and collaborate with other organs to ensure public order at the community level. In his opening remarks, Dr. Aflodis Kagaba, the Executive Director of HDI, noted that the most vulnerable Rwandans are those most in need of compassionate treatment from law enforcement officers. “Human rights and the right to health go hand-in-hand. The Constitution provides equal rights for all Rwandans, including vulnerable individuals and especially in the critical right to health for all. HDI has been at the forefront of empowering and advocating for the most vulnerable groups, who deserve compassionate treatment,” he said. Dr. Kagaba recognised the work law enforcement officers do on a daily basis to support vulnerable groups. However, he highlighted that some vulnerable groups, like sex workers, still experience sexual abuse and violations by law enforcement officers. Ernest Ngoga Nsengiyumva, Legal Advisor and Notary in Kigalis Nyarugenge District, said the workshop helped DASSO and social affairs officers understand how to enforce the law in a way that respects human rights. One of the issues officers face is how to implement the rule of law while avoiding human rights violations. Law enforcement officers should be exemplary and humane at all times, regardless of the circumstances. He emphasized that officers who are found causing harm to anyone will be dealt with according to existing procedures and may face dismissal if they commit a grave offense. He stressed that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, including street children and sex workers. Christopher Sengoga, the Head of Human Rights and Litigation at HDI, is optimistic that the workshop has changed the way district officers do their work, as they are now sensitive to the dignity and rights of all the people they encounter. “We offered them knowledge and fundamental principles on human rights as encompassed in the Constitution of Rwanda, but also shed some light on other laws that are enforced. The workshop laid out how district officers can enforce and implement orders and regulations at the community level,” he said. Thomas Gasana, an officer in Nyarugenge District, stressed that the workshop opened his mind to better practices while executing his work. Since DASSO works with street children and sex workers, it is important that we understand how to help them in a friendly manner, with all the dignity that is guaranteed by the law. In his closing remarks, Emmy Ngabonziza, District Executive Administrator in Nyarugenge District, appreciated the workshop as an avenue for continued collaboration between law enforcement authorities and civil society. HDI has brought this issue to the forefront of our minds and we hope to continue the partnership. It is of critical importance that all law enforcement officers do their work efficiently, while remembering that they are respected officials in the community. The Government of Rwanda has made substantial effort in improving the health and well-being of its citizens in regards to health. However, as a society, it is of great importance to review each and every aspect of healthcare services in order to improve where needed.
