Human Rights Watch is off track

They say when you make a mistake for the first time, it’s an accident, the second time you make the same mistake it’s on purpose, and the third time you make that same mistake it’s no longer a mistake, but a habit. This statement describes the image that Human Rights Watch has built for over the years it has been operating in Rwanda. According to the Ministry of Justice, the Government is critically reassessing its relationship with the watchdog following complaints from eminent persons about its credibility. One of the promises Human Rights Watch made to the public during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in 2011 was that it would ensure “high ethical standards, rigorous methodology and analysis to produce evidence-based information.” Unfortunately, the organisation seems to have achieved only the contrary hence betraying the trust of the Rwandan citizens. Why would HRW for instance rush to publish information that is not substantiated? Any professional knows that making serious accusations against someone without listening to them is not only unfair but unfortunate to say the least. It’s against the principles of fairness and natural justice. It is in order for the Government and the Rwandan people to question who exactly Human Rights Watch serves, their motivation and goal. By ignoring the principle of objectivity and balance, the rights organisation has lost its way in Rwanda.

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Human Rights Watch is off track