A new National Biosafety Committee, which is meant to assist and provide expertise in reviewing permit applications regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Rwanda, is now in place, after Wednesday's promulgation of an order determining its responsibilities. ALSO READ: Genetically modified cassava farming in Rwanda awaits relevant regulations The National Biosafety Committee is determined by the biosafety law, which was passed in February 2024. According to the law, activities subject to permit application include intentional introduction of a living modified organism (GMO) into the environment; and to place on the market a living modified organism for direct use as food, feed or for processing; and to handle, package, label, transport or store a living modified organism. ALSO READ: Rwanda finally passes law on GMOs: What next? In this article, The New Times summarises the content of the Prime Minister’s order on the National Biosafety Committee, especially its structure and responsibilities. Composition, leadership of the National Biosafety Committee The committee is composed of 12 members from public and private entities. They include a representative of the Ministry of Environment; a representative of the state organ in charge of management of the environment; a representative of the state organ in charge of control of foods and feeds; and a representative of the state organ in charge of phytosanitary plant health standards. There are two representatives of higher learning institutions offering courses of modern biotechnology; two representatives of the state organ in charge of agriculture and animal resources; a representative of the state organ in charge of standard; a representative of the state organ in charge of biomedical health care; a representative of the state organ in charge of customs; and a representative of the private sector. ALSO READ: Inside Rwanda's biosafety law set to regulate GMOs The members of the committee elect among themselves a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, these two must be representatives of different state organs. The representative of the state organ in charge of management of the environment acts as the secretary of the committee. The committee may invite an expert or a group of experts to provide information, critical analysis, and advice. However, the expert or the group of experts provide opinions to the committee but does not participate in its decision-making. ALSO READ: Why Rwanda is mulling GM maize crop varieties 2. How members of the committee are appointed The minister in charge of environment requests, in writing, relevant state organs and private organs to nominate their representatives in the committee. The minister has to specify the expertise required of the person to be nominated. The state organ or private organ nominates its representative in the committee and communicates this, in writing, to the minister in charge of environment. Its members are appointed based on their expertise in biosafety and related matters, values of integrity, equity, discipline and responsibility. 3. Term of office of members of the Committee The term of office of members of the Committee is three years renewable. 4. Responsibilities of the Committee The committee’s responsibilities include to review applications for permits for activities related to GMOs; and to advise the state organ in charge of management of the environment on the permitting of living modified organism related activities on a case-by-case basis and recommend appropriate risk management measures. It also has to provide technical advice and recommendations to the state organ in charge of management of the environment on issues related to living modified organisms; to contribute to the accreditation process of laboratories conducting research on living modified organisms; and to contribute to the development of laws and regulations governing biosafety. ALSO READ: Rwanda to begin GMO trials for potatoes by February 2025 5. Duty of confidentiality Members of the committee agree to observe the duty of confidentiality before taking up membership. The duty of confidentiality follows guidelines developed and approved by the state organ in charge of management of the environment. ALSO READ: How agricultural biotechnology could boost food security Documents and information shared with members of the committee and discussions held by the committee are confidential until the state organ in charge of management of the environment declares them public. 6. Quorum for the meeting of the committee The quorum (minimum number of members who must be present for an assembly to validly deliberate) for the meeting of the committee is two-thirds of its members. If the quorum is not reached, the meeting is postponed and reconvened within 15 days. After receiving the conclusions of the meeting, the authority in charge of management of environment may, when considered necessary, consult in writing with a committee member who was absent from the meeting. 7. Decision-making of the committee Decisions of the meeting of the Committee are taken by consensus, but adds that in the absence of consensus, decisions are taken by absolute majority of votes of the members of the committee present. In case of a tie, the Chairperson of the meeting has a casting vote. 8. Reporting After the committee has carried out a risk assessment in relation to a living modified organism and prepared a report thereon, the Chairperson submits the report to the Director General of the state organ in charge of environment management. Except for confidential information, copies of the reports are maintained in a form that is accessible to promote information exchange through the biosafety clearing house.
