RCS looks to improve UN corrections secretariat

The Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) has vowed to work to improve the Corrections of the Group of United Nations member states Secretariat and entities involved in international peacekeeping and peace building.This follows a recent 4th Annual UN Corrections International Conference held in Berlin, Germany where Rwanda was chosen to head the Secretariat for two years. In an interview with The New Times, the RCS Deputy Commissioner General, Mary Gahonzire, said that the Secretariat, which is the administrative arm of the group, will aim to impact global correctional services in peace keeping and building missions by professionalising it and advancing it through UN system.“RCS is — on behalf of the entire government — pleased to host this Secretariat because Correctional Services, as the fourth pillar of justice, cannot be ignored. It’s perhaps the most important and indispensible component of the rule of law and basing on our vast experience and commitment, we are determined to make this secretariat more vibrant in all aspects during the two years we will be heading it,” Gahonzire said.She said the selection of Rwanda to host the Secretariat is humbling and recognises that Rwanda’s political will and the empowerment of women has had a positive impact on the corrections services nationally and internationally in the various peacekeeping and peace building missions where RCS officers serve.“Correctional services are crucial in the development of any country as it follows up on an individual, invests in them, and ultimately reintegrates them back in society” Gahonzire said.She added that during the conference, Rwanda gave a presentation on the impact of gender balance in international peace keeping and peace building.She noted that Rwanda’s political will and determination is strong as it continues to recognize and empower women to participate in all aspects of society, saying that today gender equality and women’s participation in decision-making positions is above 38% whereas in the Correctional Services it is 20%.The Secretariat will prepare and chair the Group’s annual meetings, act as the focal point for all communications with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and other United Nations entities. It will execute its functions in close collaboration with the UN Criminal Law and Judicial Advisory Services (CLJAS), and participate in all Expert Level Forum meetings.The Secretariat will also aim to raise the standards of correctional institutions through training, study tours and research, according to Gahonzire.

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RCS looks to improve UN corrections secretariat