Chief Justice calls for more efforts to promote human rights

Even though Rwanda has made tangible strides in protecting human rights, there is still more to be done to promote the trend in all sectors, Chief Justice Sam Rugege has said. The Chief Justice made the remarks on Wednesday while officiating at the swearing-in ceremony of Emmanuel Gatera, who was appointed by Cabinet in October as the eighth commissioner in the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR). “Rwanda has made tangible improvements after years of discrimination and injustices that resulted into the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi by respecting rights of every citizen. The NCHR has been instrumental in promoting and protecting the rights of people. Emmanuel Gatera takes oath. “However, we cannot sit back and think that all is well; there are people who still violate others’ rights, especially the vulnerable. Some institutions are still growing; we still need the commission to foster human rights, to educate and sensitise the population on matters relating to human rights and defend the vulnerable,” he said. Rugege noted that there is need to develop the capacity of the commission. “There are huge tasks yet to be accomplished, but we believe that the team at the NCHR will be able to address them,” he said. Gatera signs documents after swearing-in. Gatera, 46, graduated in education from the University of Burundi. He has worked with NCHR previously, and Canadian Centre for International Studies and Cooperation, among other places. He was a Member of Parliament between 2002 to 2013, serving on the parliamentary standing committee in charge of foreign affairs, cooperation and security. “I rejoin the National Human Rights Commission not only with experience in educating people about their rights, but also with a heart that is determined to defend the vulnerable, and promote and protect the human rights of Rwandans,” Gatera said. Sam Rugege (2ndR), Chief Justice in a group photo with commissioners in the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) after the swearing-in ceremony. (Courtesy) Madeline Nirere, the chairperson of the NCHR, noted that Gatera will fill the gap in the commission. “The commission is supposed to have eight commissioners, with every commissioner overseeing five districts. However, we have been with seven commissioners, meaning they were overworked. Gatera, the youngest commissioner on the team, adds fresh energy, vast skills and experience in promoting and protecting human rights. He comes to join fellow commissioners in ensuring that the work is smoothly done,” said Nirere. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Chief Justice calls for more efforts to promote human rights