A week dedicated to free legal aid services to minors kicked off in Murambe Sector Rulindo District, on Tuesday, with expectation of solving over 100 cases.It is a campaign by the Ministry of Justice, Supreme Court, National Public Prosecution Authority, Bar Association, Legal Aid Forum, National Police and Rwanda Correctional Services among others. Legal services will be provided to indigent, including minors remanded in detention centres, prisons, police stations and transit centres, according to organisers.Speaking during the launch, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Pascal Bizimana Rugemintwari, said so far, about 129 children’s files have been identified for handling during the Week.“During this week, we shall not only focus on providing free legal aid, but we shall also put much emphasis on educating and sensitising the public about their rights as a way to prevent violation of people’s rights,” he said.Rugemintwari added that over 20 judges, 17 prosecutors and 40 lawyers have been lined up for the free service. In this time frame, he said education will basically include giving information on how people can get justice and where to report cases. In addition to the 129 files, there are also 142 cases which will also be handled.Jacqueline Bakamurera, the assistant Attorney General in charge of Legal Aid and Human Rights, said during the same period, detainees will get chance to know their rights and get legal representation.She added that focus will be put on addressing factors that lead to conflicts, something she said will be done through having a legal service provider in each district.“We shall operate in 44 selected sectors in different districts identified as the most affected but this will not stop us from operating in neighbouring sectors in addition to correctional centres,” she said. According to the 2006-12 legal aid baseline survey, it was identified that there are a number of challenges limiting access to justice, including poverty and limited awareness about legal service among the population.
