GASABO - As one of the initiatives geared towards increasing access to justice by all citizens, the Ministry of Justice will this week ensure that 618 juveniles in prisons throughout the country can have a fair legal hearing.

The seven-day programme that was launched yesterday has been supported by various organisations including the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Development Programme among others.

According to the Justice Minister, Tharcisse Karugarama, the week will entail various activities, all in a bid to ensure that justice reaches the most vulnerable people in society.

"During this period, 618 children from prisons country-wide will acquire fair legal hearing and legal information on issues faced by the public on a day to day basis will be disseminated.”

"As we plan on instituting free legal offices countrywide, we shall also sensitise people on the availability of legal aid and legal services as well,” Karugarama said.

The Representative of UNICEF in Rwanda, Dr. Joseph Foumbi congratulated the government upon this great initiative adding that by inaugurating such a week the rights of these children will be met.

"When the Government of Rwanda decides to do something, they go all the way and we continue to be impressed with your diligence and dedication,” he noted.

"Realizing the justice for children in conflict with the law is an important step however, we must also work together to ensure that there are alternative corrective measures for children in conflict with the law, other than prison, he added.

According to a statement from the United Nations, there is no data on awareness of the Convention of the Rights of the Child.

However, capacity building particularly amongst police officers, lawyers and judges, in this area of juvenile justice is being built.

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