On January 21, 2025, Rwanda’s Minister of Justice, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, addressed the rising threats against survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. These attacks have been increasing across the country.
Dr. Ugirashebuja spoke with Members of Parliament from the Commission on Governance, Gender Equality, and the Advancement of Women and Men. They discussed a recent report from the Office of the Ombudsman on these disturbing incidents.
The MPs wanted to know what is being done to stop the ongoing harassment and violence against genocide survivors.
The Minister confirmed that while the number of these crimes is rising, efforts are being made to investigate and bring justice. “Most of these crimes happen during the 100 days of commemoration,” he said. “We are aware of them and are following up.”
Dr. Ugirashebuja stressed the importance of thorough investigations, as many survivors fear speaking out due to safety concerns.
He mentioned the use of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), which helps track cases and identify patterns. “This system will help us prevent crimes and ensure accountability,” he added.
He also acknowledged that while progress has been made in preventing these crimes, local authorities must continue monitoring and acting. “We know where these crimes happen and how they are done,” he said.
The Minister emphasized that investigations are crucial. While some deaths are linked to attacks on survivors, others require deeper inquiry to understand the full cause.
“We must investigate carefully before the courts make decisions,” he explained. “Some deaths are due to harassment, but others may have different causes.”
Dr. Ugirashebuja concluded by noting that while efforts to prevent these crimes are ongoing, there are still areas that need improvement.
