Rwanda reaffirms commitment to human development, gender equality at UNGA

Rwanda has reiterated its commitment to advancing social development, gender equality, and the protection of human rights, highlighting its transformation over the past two decades. ALSO READ: Gender equality in 2024: milestones and the road ahead Delivering the country’s national statement at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on October 3, Flavia Umulisa, the Second Counsellor at Rwanda's Permanent Mission to the UN, said human development remains at the core of the country's national transformation. “Rwanda’s national transformation has always placed human development at the heart of our journey,” she said, addressing the UN’s third committee on social, humanitarian, and cultural issues. Umulisa noted that achievements in poverty reduction, education, and healthcare reflect deliberate and inclusive policies that have shaped the country’s progress. Over the past two decades, she noted, Rwanda has cut poverty by more than half, from 58.9 per cent in 2001 to 27.4 per cent in 2024, and recorded one of Africa’s fastest declines in extreme poverty within a single generation. Life expectancy has also risen from 49 years in 2000 to nearly 70 years today, thanks to expanded access to community-based health insurance now covering more than 90 per cent of the population. ALSO READ: Number of women in Rwanda’s lower house of parliament rises to 63.8% Education, Umulisa said, continues to be “a cornerstone of opportunity,” with universal primary school enrollment exceeding 98 per cent and gender parity achieved at both primary and secondary levels. Initiatives such as the Nine-Year and Twelve-Year Basic Education programs and the expansion of technical and vocational training (TVET) have also equipped young Rwandans with skills for a rapidly modernizing economy. “With over 60 per cent of our population under 25, Rwanda sees youth as a defining strength,” Umulisa emphasized. “Our transformation is not only for the youth but driven by youth.” Reflecting on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which promoted the human rights of women and the girl child, she said the framework had special significance for Rwanda, coming just a year after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “It provided a blueprint for rebuilding our society. Today, gender equality is firmly embedded in our governance,” she said. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s female majority Senate reflects ‘growing trust’ in women leadership Rwanda remains a global leader in women’s representation, with gender equality firmly embedded in its governance. Beyond its world-leading parliamentary representation, women also hold key positions across major public and financial institutions. “Rwandan women's leadership extends now to major financial and public sector institutions, as exemplified by our Speaker of Parliament, Chief Justice, Prosecutor General, and the Governor of the Central Bank,” Umulisa said, “As such, the economic empowerment of women has also advanced.” “96 per cent of women are financially included through cooperatives and mobile banking. Women represent 46.2 per cent of STEM students and 43.2 per cent in technical and vocational training, supported by deliberate policies to close gender gaps.” Land ownership by women also increased to 26 per cent of registered land solely by women, unlocking access to credit and investments. Health gains have also followed, between 2015 and 2020, maternal mortality fell from 210 to 203 per 100,000 live births. ALSO READ: What does Rwanda's rising life expectancy mean? She also highlighted progress in maternal health, noting that skilled birth attendance has risen to 94 per cent and 93 per cent of births now occur in health facilities. Rwanda’s commitment to solidarity, she added, extends beyond its borders. When conflict erupted in Kabul, Afghanistan, the Rwandan government hosted the School of Leadership, Afghanistan, allowing Afghan girls to continue their education in safety. “Empowering women and girls is not just a national priority; it is a global responsibility,” she said. Turning to human rights, Umulisa reaffirmed that Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery was anchored in justice and accountability. The country abolished the death penalty, established the National Commission for Human Rights, and continues to host UN special rapporteurs as part of its transparency and commitment to accountability. She stressed the importance of preserving the credibility of the Human Rights Council by avoiding politicization and bias, describing the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) as the most credible and impartial mechanism for assessing human rights progress. “Human rights must never be weaponized for political leverage or narrow interests,” Umulisa asserted. “The Universal Periodic Review exemplifies transparency, accountability, and fairness—it is a mechanism that builds trust and strengthens global cooperation.” ALSO READ: Rwanda awarded for empowering women leaders Umulisa cautioned against selective reporting that disproportionately targets African nations, urging states to embrace mutual cooperation rather than political manipulation. She reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to building a society rooted in unity and inclusivity, one that contributes constructively to the global agenda for sustainable development. “Progress is best achieved through cooperation, dialogue, and shared responsibility,” she said. “Rwanda stands ready to share its experiences, learn from others, and help advance our collective aspirations for a just and equitable world.”

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Rwanda reaffirms commitment to human development, gender equality at UNGA