RUBAVU/MUSANZE – The United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has launched provincial Information and Documentation Centres in Musanze and Rubavu districts.

The centre in Musanze was launched on Tuesday while, in Rubavu it was launched on Wednesday, by Adama Dieng, the Registrar of the UN/ ICTR. 

"This vigorous outreach programme is aimed at bringing the achievements and challenges of ICTR closer to Rwandans. The centres will effectively inform and educate citizens on the role of the tribunal in contributing towards unity and reconciliation efforts,” Adam said.

The information centres have internet and are thus linked to the ICTR courts in  Arusha.

They will enable residents in the rural communities, access all the necessary information and updates on the proceedings of the Genocide crimes.

Ten mini centres which are expected to be opened in Rwanda are jointly sponsored by the European Union (EU), ICTR and the government of Rwanda. The entire project will cost an estimated US $200,000.

At the occasion, Roland Amoussouga, the Senior Legal Adviser and ICTR Spokesperson noted that the key objective of such centres is to bridge the information gap between the ICTR and the people of Rwanda.

"This centre will facilitate access to the jurisprudence work of the ICTR and other legal materials for members of the Rwandan judiciary working here. Other citizens with interest in the Justice sector will also find this resource centre useful,” he said.

The ICTR is set to close its doors at the end of this year and Rwanda has been tipped to take over the remaining workload once it closes business.

The function was also attended by Veronique Geoffroy, who represented the, Head of EU mission in Rwanda.

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