In a bid to raise awareness on crime, Rwanda National Police (RNP) on Monday conducted a one-day community policing sensitisation campaign in three refugee camps- Mahama, Mugombwa and Gihembe in Kirehe, Gisagara and Gicumbi districts, respectively.

The campaign, held on Monday, aimed at equipping refugees with knowledge on crimes like Gender Based Violence (GBV), drug abuse, and human trafficking, and to introduce them to preventive measures.

"We also equipped refugees with basic skills on sharing information and reporting crime,” said Senior Superintendent Teddy Ruyenzi, the Director of Civic Education, Community Policing Department.

During the sensitisation campaign, RNP established two anti-crime clubs in Mugombwa and Mahama refugee camps and also shared the community policing concept.

To ensure their security, Police warned the youth in the camps to be mindful of people who may come with promises such as education opportunities abroad or well paying jobs to lure them into human trafficking, and also asked them to always report such incidents.

 "Some of the crimes we found in the camps include domestic violence, rape and environmental destruction,” said Ruyenzi.

She pointed out that one of the major causes of domestic violence in refugee camps was infidelity of which refugees were informed that it’s illegal according to the Rwandan laws.

Ruyenzi added that drug abuse was more rampant in Gihembe Refugee Camp.

"Refugees were asked to partner in fighting and preventing these crimes,” she said.