Rwanda’s justice sector has made remarkable strides over the years, showing a profound commitment to good governance, human rights, and the rule of law.

Guided by a series of robust reforms, the sector has focused on reducing court backlogs, improving access to justice, and integrating innovative technologies to serve citizens more effectively.

These reforms, aligned with Rwanda's National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), mark a crucial journey worth celebrating. The recent 10th Justice, Reconciliation, Law, and Order Sector (JRLOS) and Universal Periodic Review (UPR) retreat, aptly themed "Reflecting on the Past: Charting Pathways for an Innovative, Citizen-Centred Rule of Law,” exemplified the sector's commitment to continuous improvement.

From the outset, Rwanda has prioritised access to justice for all. A key reform is the introduction of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, which have reduced court backlogs by resolving cases outside traditional courtroom settings.

Mediation, one form of ADR, has gained traction, enabling parties to settle disputes amicably with over 4,000 cases resolved since 2019. Furthermore, court-annexed mediation offers an efficient, less adversarial approach that frees up court resources for more complex cases.

With plea bargaining also introduced, the justice sector is not only reducing prison congestion but is actively promoting a culture of swift and fair resolution and reconciliatory justice.

Rwanda’s embrace of digital innovation in case management has been a game-changer. The Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), launched in 2016, has streamlined processes across the justice sector.

With this system, judges, lawyers, and prosecutors can access case files digitally, facilitating faster and more transparent case handling. Moreover, IECMS enables legal representatives to support clients without physical meetings, making justice accessible even to vulnerable communities.

It is an innovation that aligns seamlessly with the NST2 goals and Vision 2050, paving the way for an inclusive, tech-driven approach to justice.

Rwanda’s focus on digital transformation in the justice sector has also garnered international recognition. Earlier this year, Rwanda won the prestigious Commonwealth Access to Justice Innovation Award, highlighting projects like IECMS and Abunzi, which provide meaningful legal access for vulnerable populations.

The award stressed Rwanda’s efforts to not only innovate but also to meet global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.3, which aims for equal access to justice for all.

As the Justice sector and UPR stakeholders gathered they reviewed the Rwanda Governance Scorecard and Citizen Report Card, they analysed achievements and areas for improvement in justice delivery.

Central to these discussions was the need to maintain an open dialogue with citizens, continually enhancing access and service quality. Furthermore, a special focus was placed on crime prevention strategies that align with NST2 targets and on advancing collaboration through the JRLO Sector Strategic Plan 4.

These discussions reinforce Rwanda’s dedication to a proactive justice system that supports safety, security, and the protection of human rights.

The 10th JRLOS retreat also emphasised the role of effective partnerships and collaboration among institutions in advancing justice sector goals.

Since its inception nearly two decades ago, the JRLOS has united 16 government institutions, development partners, and civil society under a shared mission to deliver equitable justice.

This approach ensures that justice sector reforms not only meet immediate needs but also contribute to broader national development objectives.

As Rwanda prepares for its fourth UPR cycle, the justice sector is a pillar of national transformation. The reforms in place underscore Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to uphold human rights, good governance, and a fair rule of law.

With the end of NST1 and the transition to NST2, Rwanda has laid a strong foundation. This journey is about more than achieving targets; it is about building a justice system that empowers every citizen.

Today, Rwanda can proudly celebrate its achievements and look forward to an even brighter future. By investing in ADR, digital solutions, and collaborative frameworks, Rwanda’s justice sector exemplifies a citizen-centred approach that prioritises accountability, efficiency, and inclusivity.

The journey continues, but the path is set—and the future of Rwanda’s justice sector is promising.

The writer is a communications specialist