Rwanda’s ‘Isange one stop centre’ has been highlighted at the ongoing INTERPOL General Assembly as one of the best models of preventing and responding to gender-based violence and child abuse.

Launched in July 2009, the country currently has 17 Isange centres which have already dealt with more than 10,000 cases.

In addition to operating a 24-hour phone hotline, each centre provides access to free medical and psychosocial care and support services in addition to offering protection from further violence and investigation of crimes including the collection of forensic evidence.

Rwanda’s Minister of Gender and Family promotion Oda Gasinzigwa told delegates, yesterday, that the Isange one stop centre model has had a positive transformational impact on the lives of its beneficiaries.

"The Government of Rwanda is committed and works tirelessly to end violence against women and girls,” said Minister Gasinzigwa.

"Gender-based violence is one of the global threats that hinders sustainable development and is the most extreme expression of unequal gender relations in society.

"The world must be in synergy to fight and respond to gender-based violence and we must stand up to end the impunity that too often leaves perpetrators unaccountable for their crimes,” concluded the Minister.

INTERPOL secretary general Jürgen Stock said there were many lessons to be learned from the Isange model.

"The Isange centre multi-agency approach to deliver a unified service is a model not just in dealing with gender-based violence and child abuse, but for all types of crime, and Rwanda is to be commended for this innovative and effective programme,” said Stock.

Rwanda’s IGP Emmanuel Gasana said since the creation of the Isange centres, reporting rates of gender-based violence had increased by 50 per cent.

"National awareness campaigns and preventive community policing carried out by the Rwanda National Police have helped the people of Rwanda shed their fear of the reporting process and ensure that violators are fully aware of the legal consequences of their acts,” IGP Gasana said.

"Preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls is not only about fighting crime; it is also a serious developmental issue which must be addressed by citizens and police forces of all countries without reserve, fear or favour.”

Gasana added that Isange centres have become an inspirational model for police forces worldwide with officials travelling from across the world to learn from the holistic, multi-sectoral approach in fighting gender-based violence.

Over 1000 officials from more than 70 countries have so far visited the centre to learn about its services and operations.

The Isange model has also been adopted by the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO) and is in the framework of the Kigali International Conference Declaration (KICD). Isange was also considered by the Interpol General Assembly as a model in their policing.

In 2012, the centre received international recognition as the winner of the United Nations Public Service Award.

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