The management of Mahama refugee camp in Kirehe District has been urged to be keen on fighting issues related to gender based violence which are said to be common in the camp. The call was made by different officials on Wednesday when a joint team of officials from the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO), Rwanda National Police (RNP) and the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) visited the camp of Burundian refugees, at the end their two-day field visit in Kirehe. The officials urged local leaders to guide the refugees on how to live in harmony or where to channel their grievances. The field visit aimed at assessing the implementation of practices that promote gender equality and barriers hindering fast progress towards full realisation of women rights in Rwanda. Speaking to the camp leadership, Rose Rwabuhihi, the Chief Gender Monitor commended the management structure which involves women and men, which she said is one of the vital factors in addressing gender related issues and ensuring women rights. “It’s good that interveners like those in health, legal and security work jointly to offer holistic services to the affected refugees, but there’s still need for vigorous awareness for the people here to understand their rights in line with the Rwandan laws and where to report injustices they face,” said Rwabuhihi. Currently, there are male and female police officers attached to the camp, and this Rwabuhihi said makes victims of GBV or child abuse open up to the person of their choice, freely. She urged them to break silence on the injustices they face, uphold the principles of non discrimination and respect of equal rights between women and men. It was, however, observed during the meeting that besides GBV, some husbands sell the food ratios allocated to their families apparently to buy alcohol, causing conflicts between couples. The officials also heard various measures in place to fight GBV and child abuse like Isange One-Stop Centre which offers free medical, psycho-socio and legal services. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Morris Murigo, the deputy commissioner for CID, said, “Confidentiality of a victim is kept intact” adding that their “security is assured.” He appealed to the camp leaders to strengthen partnership with Police, be close and work with the people, understand their security challenges so that they can be addressed. There are over 47, 000 Burundian refugees in Mahama camp, about 50 per cent of them aged 18 years and below. The visit to Mahama camp preceded an earlier meeting in Nyamugali Sector, where residents queued at the Mobile Police Station van to report injustices they face. At least 19 cases were recorded, including assault, child abuse and family abandonment, among others. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
