Today marks the beginning of a two-day international conference on Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Kigali.  The conference organised by the Rwanda National Police (RNP) in collaboration with the Rwanda Defence Forces’ (RDF) gender desk and supported by Rwanda UN family brings together high profile government policy makers, police chiefs and other senior managers from the army and police forces of 22 African countries, particularly from the Central and East Africa and Haiti among others.
The New Times reporter, Bosco R. Asiimwe interviewed the Commissioner General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana in as far as the conference is concerned.

Qn:  What is the theme of the conference?

An: The role of Security Organs in ending violence against women and girls.

Qn: What is the purpose of the conference?

An: To share success registered, develop strategies to negate challenges and    establish a common ground and shared commitment to ending violence against Women and Girls.

Qn. How has the Rwanda National Police managed to emerge successful in combating crimes against women and girls?

An: The Rwanda national Police has put much efforts in sensitizing the general public on the dangers of the crimes against women and girls and police has  also went further to sensitize other security organs on their role in ending   monstrous crimes.

Qn: What are the particular initiatives done by Police in handling GBV cases?

An: Rwanda National Police established ISANGE ONE STOP center and police  gender desk to deal specifically with all kinds of gender based violence.

Qn: Apart from registering achievement inside the country, what has Rwanda national Police done to promote peace on the globe?

An: Rwanda National police recognizes the need for every country to have security and it is from the security point of view that as requested by the UN, Police  sent forces to different troubled countries to restore peace and our forces while  in mission areas have also played a noble role in improving the living conditions  of citizens where for example citizens in troubled southern Sudan were taught  how to use economic stoves.

Qn: What will delegates gain from this two days conference?

An: A lot will be gained from this conference here we can point out to gaining professional capabilities, experience and determination to further combat GBV cases. More so, countries in this conference will measure their initiatives and successes in ending violence against women and girls.

Q: What is your message to Rwandans, particularly women, as well as the international community on this issue?

An: RNP strongly supports the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s ‘Unite to end Violence against Women’, which was launched on 25th February 2008 in New York, and shall work towards its success. We are inspired by the knowledge that protecting women is protecting our mothers, sisters and daughters and it is protecting mothers of nations. This to RNP is a noble cause.
 
Rwanda National Police, therefore, shall not spare any effort in as far as fighting Gender Based Violence and violence against women is concerned. We shall work to enhance the existing partnership with UNIFEM and collaborate with other institutions and organizations to ensure success.

Ends