Rwanda National Police (RNP), in partnership with the Legal Aid Forum, (LAF), have commenced a training programme for station judicial police officers, station commanders and prosecutors on human rights and criminal investigations.

The training focuses on upgrading knowledge of participants on human rights, and to providing them with necessary interviewing and statement recording skills.

It will be conducted in phases throughout the country with facilitators from the Legal Aid Forum, until its conclusion at the end of the month.

During the official opening of the training at the RNP headquarters in Kacyiru, on Thursday, ACP Theos Badege, the Commissioner for CID, said that the training will cement the culture of observance of fundamental human rights among investigators, as well as help improve officers’ roles in helping both victims and suspects to understand their rights.

 "Police seeks excellence and effectiveness while conducting investigations, in a bid to emphasise its vision to make people living in Rwanda feel safe, involved and reassured,” he said.

"Through the training, officers will improve their law enforcement capabilities, and also cement their role as primary justice providers and overseers of public order. This training will also help officers improve the quality of criminal case files and engage the public about their rights.”

The training has attracted 46 participants.

The Executive Director of LAF, Andrews Kananga, added that Police – as a law enforcing institution – is the first provider of justice and legal services, which requires officers to be equipped with knowledge and skills necessary to handle both victims and suspects with utmost professionalism.

"RNP officers have earned a reputation of being professional and friendly to the public; and this training is being conducted with the view to propel this professionalism to greater heights,” he said.

"In addition to skills training, officers and other participants will discuss existing challenges and what measures and actions must be taken to safeguard the rights of victims and the rights of suspects or detained persons.”

Both RNP and LAF are engaged in campaigns to improve access to justice and human rights initiatives.

LAF also provides pro bono lawyers to vulnerable members of society, as well as develops policy and legal research that contribute to reforms in the justice sector.

Since last year, LAF and RNP started training police officers on human rights, with the first series of trainings targeting police officers in charge of custody and human rights.

About 80 Police officers trained in pre-trial rights and other rights in general.