Mukantaganzwa stresses need to strengthen environmental justice

Chief Justice and Supreme Court President Domitilla Mukantaganzwa has called for strong laws, effective institutions and citizen participation to ensure environmental protection and accountability, including in cases involving multinational corporations. She made the remarks during the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association Conference held in Kingston, Jamaica, from September 20 to 24. ALSO READ: Environmental justice key to a sustainable future – Kagame Mukantaganzwa presented Rwanda’s experience in balancing economic development with environmental protection. She said Rwanda’s approach is based on the rule of law, accountability and citizen-centred governance. “Rwanda seeks to reconcile economic growth with environmental and social protection through strong legal, regulatory and institutional frameworks,” she said. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Independent judges crucial in delivering environmental justice, experts say She said the frameworks are meant to prevent environmental harm, ensure compliance with national standards and provide mechanisms for accountability and remedy when environmental damage occurs. Mukantaganzwa said courts must apply the law equally to national and multinational companies. “In resolving disputes, Rwanda prioritises dialogue, mediation and amicable settlement before resorting to litigation; and when judicial intervention is necessary, courts apply the law equally to both multinational and national companies, and ensure that economic power never substitutes for accountability,” she said. ALSO READ: Climate Just Communities Rwanda shortlisted for 2026 Big Impact Award Three pillars Mukantaganzwa identified three pillars of Rwanda’s environmental justice approach: political commitment to environmental protection; legal, regulatory and institutional frameworks that ensure accountability; and citizen participation in protecting, restoring and managing the environment. She also pointed to the Constitution, which gives everyone the right to live in a clean and healthy environment, while requiring citizens to protect the environment and the state to ensure its protection. Rwanda has developed laws and policies covering areas such as climate change, land use, forests, air quality and plastic pollution. The government has also ratified and domesticated 17 multilateral environmental agreements and protocols. Mukantaganzwa cited the work of institutions including Rwanda Environment Management Authority, Rwanda Green Fund, Rwanda Development Board, National Land Authority, Rwanda Forestry Authority and Rwanda Water Resources Board in enforcing environmental laws and managing natural resources. She cited the rehabilitation of Gikondo wetland in Kigali as an example of how environmental protection can be combined with economic interests. The wetland was for decades an industrial area before factories were relocated to Masoro Special Industrial Economic Zone, allowing the place to be rehabilitated and turned into an eco-park. Mukantaganzwa said Rwanda’s experience shows that environmental protection and investment can be pursued together. “With political commitment, strong institutions, effective enforcement and equal application of the law, a country can attract multinational investment while ensuring that environmental protection, public interests and corporate accountability remain at the heart of sustainable development,” she said. Judicial cooperation On the sidelines of the conference, Mukantaganzwa held bilateral meetings with the Chief Justices of Jamaica and Uganda, as well as a representative of the Chief Justice of Kenya. The meetings focused on strengthening judicial cooperation and sharing experiences and best practices between the judiciaries. She also met with the Principal Judge of the Judiciary of Tanzania to discuss areas of cooperation and a memorandum of understanding between the two judiciaries that is in the pipeline.

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Mukantaganzwa stresses need to strengthen environmental justice