MP Lydia Mushimiyimana has called on Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA), and other relevant institutions to treat teenage pregnancy and defilement as an epidemic requiring serious and decisive action. “The issue of sexually abused children, specifically those who become pregnant, as they are the most visible cases. Various studies highlight the increase in numbers of teenage pregnancies, making it comparable to an epidemic,” Mushimiyimana said on January 23. She said this as RIB and NPPA officials appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Unity and Human Rights and the Fight against Genocide to answer issues raised in a report by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR). ALSO READ: What will it take for Rwanda to rein in the teenage pregnancy menace? Mushimiyimana emphasized the alarming numbers of teenage pregnancies and child defilement cases in Rwanda. She urged concerned authorities to adopt a bolder approach, similar to campaigns against illegal activities like the production and consumption of illicit brew. ALSO READ: Human rights: Complaints filed to national commission drop by 36% In the fiscal year 2023-2024, RIB reported 4,567 defilement cases involving 4,849 children, over 4,600 of them were girls. The cases involved 4,901 suspects. Additionally, an assessment by the NCHR found that only 31 per cent of pregnant teenage victims had reported their cases. Mushimiyimana pointed to issues contributing to the persistence of teenage pregnancies, including delays in reporting defilement cases, manipulation by perpetrators, and societal acceptance of harmful practices such as allowing victims to marry their abusers. “We have seen other crimes tackled with urgency and determination, leading to significant reductions. Why can’t we treat teenage pregnancies with the same seriousness? The consequences of inaction are dire for these children and the country,” the lawmaker said. Mushimiyimana called for better investigative processes, more efficient evidence collection mechanisms, and harsher punishments for offenders. ALSO READ: Teenage pregnancy: Time to openly discuss alternative solutions Jeannot Ruhunga, the Secretary General of RIB, highlighted several challenges in addressing defilement cases. He pointed out that some suspects evade justice by manipulating victims and their families through promises of financial support or marriage, which often results in delayed reporting or the concealment of cases. “Sexually abused victims are recognized as such by the law and investigative authorities, but they may not see themselves as victims,” Ruhunga said. “For instance, a perpetrator may manipulate a child into believing the abuse was consensual, and the parents may even agree to let the abuser marry the child. When we intervene and apprehend the perpetrator, the victim’s family may question the authorities, asking why they are taking away their in-law,” Ruhunga explained. He said that in some cases victims or their families are bribed or promised marriage, which delays or prevents reporting. “This makes it difficult to collect evidence when cases are finally reported. However, we are working with other stakeholders to raise awareness at grassroots levels and encourage timely reporting,” he said. Ruhunga emphasized that the increase in reported cases may not necessarily reflect a rise in incidents but rather an improvement in awareness and willingness to report. “We are seeing children report cases of abuse by their own parents, siblings, or other family members—something that was a taboo in the past. This indicates a positive shift in societal attitudes toward reporting such crimes.” he said. ALSO READ: Nurses trained to handle GBV, child abuse cases Marie-Sylvie Kawera, a commissioner at the NCHR, highlighted the need for better support for victims, including compensation. “Compensation cases should be prioritized alongside defilement cases in court to encourage victims to report,” she said. The Rwanda Biomedical Center reported 10,480 teenage pregnancies in the first six months of 2024. In 2023, the country recorded more than 22,000 teenage pregnancies, a significant increase from about 17,300 in reported 2017. Ruhunga emphasized the need to address root causes of teenage pregnancies, including family dynamics, societal norms, and preventive measures. He called on all stakeholders to collaborate in combating the issue. “This is not just a legal matter but a societal problem. Every sector must play its part in ensuring the safety and well-being of our children,” he said. ALSO READ: Sexual abuse of children below 10 years on the rise Parliamentarians emphasized the importance of tight preventive measures, public education campaigns, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to address the root causes of teenage pregnancies and child defilement. They called for increased accountability and faster action to protect the future of children.
