Bill on solitary confinement will advance human rights

The Chamber of Deputies (Lower House of Parliament) on Thursday passed a bill to expunge solitary confinement as a punitive measure for people sentenced to “Life Imprisonment with Special provisions”. The sentence applies to individuals convicted of Genocide, crimes against humanity, murder, torture resulting into death, performing derogatory acts on a dead body, child sexual abuse, and sexual torture. This is a welcome development because studies have shown that human beings are inherently social. Prolonged isolation from the rest of humanity has a negative impact on one’s ability to live a normal life. Research has demonstrated that people who have been subjected to solitary confinement, find it impossible to readjust once they are pardoned and allowed back into society. Moreover, solitary confinement leads to more anger and bitterness and erodes the possibility of the convicts reflecting on their crimes, and seeking forgivenessRwanda is one of the countries that have abolished the death penalty. In addition to the bill that aims to bar solitary confinement, it can be concluded that the leaders who have championed these pieces of legislation, understand and appreciate the value of human life, regardless of the crime that may have been committed. Ends