Following a number of challenges met by advocates while providing legal representation to children, the Legal Aid Forum (LAF) in partnership with Rwanda Bar Association (RBA) organised a three-day training for legal advocates on child rights.

The training, held in Kigali brought together 30 advocates from different districts. It aimed to improve legal services provided to children before and during trial.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, Julien Kavaruganda, the president of the Bar Association said such trainings are organised to help practitioners better represent children, as vulnerable members of the society.

Odette Yankurije, the head of Access to Justice Services department at the Ministry of Justice, said it was absurd that some juveniles still go through legal processes without a lawyer, a trend she said must stop.

"We therefore, need to take this opportunity to reach out to all stakeholders including police to facilitate children with a lawyer through the entire judicial process to safeguard their rights,” she said.

Findings from Rwanda Bar Association indicate that over 1,000 children are put to trial every year.

Lawyers welcomed the trainings saying they will use the platform to share experiences and challenges they face during their every day job when representing children.

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