Right to belong to a country

Are you Rwandan? Wait. Before you answer that question, let me explain what being Rwandan means. Paragraph one of the National Integrated Child Rights Policy says that all children born in Rwanda, of one or both Rwandan parents have the right to Rwandan nationality. Children who find themselves in Rwanda without parents and without known nationality of parents also have the right to Rwandan nationality. Having said that, are you Rwandan? If you are, then you have a right to stay in Rwanda and no one can force you to leave. This is clearly stated in article 24 of the national constitution. It says, “Every Rwandan has the right to his or her country. No Rwandan shall be banished from the country.” Therefore, till the day you die, or till the day you decide to renounce your Rwandan citizenship, (but why would you want to do that?), no one can tamper with your right to belong here. Additionally, you can settle in any part of the country. Article 23 clearly states in part: “Every Rwandan has the right to move and to circulate freely and to settle anywhere in Rwanda.” You can become a livestock farmer in the East or a fish farmer in the West. You can and partake of the mining and/or tourism industry in the North or you could go to South, to make and sell crafts. Not now though. By all means stay in school and do not leave your parents’ home, and don’t violate anyone’s rights by settling on their property without purchasing it. Additionally, if ever you feel the need to leave the country, whether it is to explore the world or reside in a different place, you are always welcome home. Not only do you have the right to stay but you also have the right to leave and to return. However, keep one thing in mind: the need to exercise these rights according to what is lawfully acceptable. The second paragraph of article 23 says that the rights shall be restricted only by the law for reasons of public order or State security, in order to deal with a public menace or to protect persons in danger.

Education

Right to belong to a country