A report by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) shows an increase in recidivism among delinquents who have gone through rehabilitation in various facilities across the country. The recidivism cases rose from 4,878 in 2022/2023 to 7,185 in 2023/2024, representing a 32.1 per cent increase.

There are three different rehabilitation centres in Rwanda, where every year, delinquents are sent to be rehabilitated from drug abuse and other harmful behaviours. After a year of rehabilitation, they often graduate and are sent back to their communities.

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Though many improve, there are some who go back into the wrong lifestyles. According to officials, the problem is being looked into, and it may require some changes to be fixed.

Providence Umurungi, NCHR Chairperson, noted the surge in recidivism may be as a result of family conflicts, peer pressure and a survivalist mind-set. She pointed at the need to re-evaluate the district packages provided to delinquents upon program completion.

The NCHR emphasised the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to combat recidivism. For example, families of delinquents are encouraged to play an active role in their reintegration process after rehabilitation.

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In an interview with The New Times, Fred Mufulukye, the Director General of National Rehabilitation Service, said that they are working to develop a new system in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Governments, aimed at better engagement of the rehabilitated individuals into productive activities in their communities.

He also hinted at the development of a national reintegration policy for delinquents, in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government. The policy is designed to support the reintegration process, and the centre wants it to be finalised before any new group graduates.

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The three rehabilitation centres across the country host varying numbers of delinquents. For example, Gitagata Rehabilitation Centre hosts about 679 delinquents, of whom 60.4 per cent are under 18.

Iwawa Rehabilitation Centre accounts for 5,038 male delinquents with 82.3 per cent aged between 18 and 35, whereas Nyamagabe Rehabilitation Centre accounts for 1,468 delinquents, 78.7 per cent of whom are aged between 18 and 35.