Nine key takeaways from new human rights commission report

The National Commission for Human Rights (NHCR) has released its annual report for the fiscal year 2024/2025, offering a comprehensive overv...

The National Commission for Human Rights (NHCR) has released its annual report for the fiscal year 2024/2025, offering a comprehensive overview of the human rights landscape. The report, published on October 15, details both advancements and persistent challenges in safeguarding and promoting fundamental rights across the nation.

Significant Reduction in Prison Overcrowding

One of the report's key findings is a notable decrease in prison overcrowding. Inspections conducted in March 2025 revealed a significant improvement in this area.

• The inspection, aimed at assessing the respect for prisoners’ rights, showed that overcrowding had fallen from 134.3 per cent in 2023/2024 to 110 per cent in 2024/2025.
• The Rwanda Correctional Service further reported that, by August 31, the overcrowding rate had dropped to 103.8 per cent.

Despite these positive developments, the report also underscores that overcrowding remains a concern, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address this issue.

Election Integrity and Voter Rights

The NHCR report also examined the integrity of the 2024 presidential, senatorial, and parliamentary elections. The commission concluded that, for the most part, the rights of voters, candidates, and observers were upheld during the electoral processes.

• However, the report did identify areas for improvement. The NHCR urged the National Electoral Commission to enhance its technology for managing voter transfers. This recommendation stemmed from discrepancies noted on voter lists during the elections.

Advancing the Rights of People with Disabilities

The report highlights progress in protecting the rights of people with disabilities, while also acknowledging the challenges that remain. Inspections conducted across 32 institutions revealed that many rights of persons with disabilities are being respected, including access to healthcare, education, and protection from abuse.

• Despite these positive findings, the report also pointed out shortcomings. A lack of teachers trained in special needs education persists in some schools, hindering the full inclusion of students with disabilities.
• Furthermore, the report revealed that a significant percentage of private sector businesses lack infrastructure that facilitates access for people with disabilities. The statistics paint a concerning picture:
  • 63.6 per cent of private sector businesses lack accessible infrastructure.
  • 75.7 per cent of industries.
  • 70.6 per cent of transport companies.
  • 68.6 per cent of construction firms.
  • 52 per cent of commercial businesses.
  • 49.5 per cent of tourism and hospitality establishments.

Refugee Rights and Humanitarian Aid

The NHCR report also addressed the situation of refugees, noting that their fundamental rights are generally respected within refugee camps. These rights include freedom of movement, access to documentation, clean water, security, and justice.

• However, the report expressed concern about the impact of reductions in humanitarian aid on refugees' welfare. The commission observed that livelihood projects do not reach all refugees, leaving some vulnerable.
• The NHCR specifically called on authorities to improve conditions at the Mahama Refugee Camp. The recommendations included:
  • Providing electricity to unlit areas of the camp.
  • Expediting the construction of the road leading to the camp from the main paved road.
  • Installing lights along the road to enhance security.

Human Rights Complaints and Resolution

The NHCR actively addresses human rights violations, as evidenced by the large number of cases it has handled.

• The commission followed up on 654 human rights violation cases, including 563 received in 2024/2025 and 91 that were still pending by the end of 2023/2024.
• Of these cases, 87.9 per cent were resolved, 4.1 per cent have been investigated but are not yet resolved, and 8 per cent are still under investigation.
• The leading categories of complaints included:
  • Property rights (203 cases, 31 per cent).
  • The right to justice (26.6 per cent).
  • Children’s rights (12.8 per cent).

Mental Health Care and Rehabilitation

The report assessed the state of mental health care institutions, finding that they generally meet standards but face challenges related to overcrowding. The commission also noted that some inmates develop mental health issues while incarcerated.

• These inmates receive examinations, treatment, medication, and referrals to district hospitals or the Ndera Neuropsychiatric Centre when necessary.
• The NHCR assessed Gitagata, Ngarama, and Nyamagabe rehabilitation centres, evaluating their ability to care for people with mental illness, substance dependence, disabilities, women, and children.
• Across Kigali Mental Health Referral Centre, Ndera and its branches, and Huye Isange Rehabilitation Center, there were 602 inpatients, including 218 women, and 12 children.
• CARAES Butare was found to be overcrowded at 140.5 per cent, with 167 inpatients for a capacity of 119.
• Hospitals and elderly care homes were found to respect human dignity, privacy, and hygiene, with no cases of inhuman or degrading treatment reported.

Labour Rights, Workplace Health, and Safety

The NHCR report identified significant barriers to upholding labour rights and ensuring workplace health and safety.

• A major challenge is a lack of awareness of labour laws among employees. 58.9 per cent of employees are completely unaware of the laws that protect them.
• Labour inspectorates face severe staffing shortages. 75 per cent of labour inspectors reported a critical shortage of personnel, with many districts having only one inspector for all local businesses.
• Employers often fail to provide basic health and safety protections. 48 per cent of private companies do not supply essential personal protective equipment.
• This neglect is compounded by weak enforcement, with lenient or inconsistently applied penalties for non-compliance, giving employers little incentive to follow the law. This is particularly prevalent in sectors such as hospitality and construction.

Alternatives to Imprisonment and Overcrowding

Despite the decrease in overcrowding, correctional facilities still reported congestion at 103.8 per cent as of August 31. The report attributes this to the underutilization of non-custodial measures.

• The commission recommended proper enforcement of victim-offender mediation at the investigation stage and plea bargaining at the prosecution stage.
• Although thousands of cases have been resolved through these mechanisms, they remain underutilized, with pre-trial detention still the default approach.

Children Living in Prisons

The NHCR found that several prisons still accommodate children under the age of three who live with their detained mothers.

• While these children receive food, medical care, and other essentials, the Commission called for more efforts to make such environments more child-friendly and to ensure the protection of their rights.