Programs
Legal Education Reform and Civic Education
The ABA worked with the Ministry of Justice to train all eighteen thousand five hundred (18,500) community-based mediators throughout the country. The MOJ asked The Rule of Law Initiative to take the lead in developing a training manual and other crucial documentation, which would prepare mediators and the population to access this innovative attempt to bring justice to the common person. To that end, The Africa Division, in collaboration with the MOJ, developed a two-part formal training manual which defined the scope of the Mediation Committee Act, with a focus on the powers and competence of the mediators and mediation techniques required for successful mediation.
Twenty thousand copies of this manual have been printed and distributed to the mediators as their major source of reference in the execution of their duties. In addition to the mediation manuals, the ABA has developed, printed and distributed two thousand five hundred (2,500) posters outlining the powers of the mediator in civil and criminal cases. These posters serve as a public education tool, and have been posted at sector and district levels, as well as in police stations throughout the country.
For further information about the ABA Rule of Law Initiative’s programs in Rwanda, please contact <rol@staff.abanet.org>.
Legal Profession Reform
Following a series of discussions with the Supreme Court of Rwanda on potential programming activities, the Rule of Law Initiative worked with the Supreme Court to conduct roundtable discussions on best practices of investigation and adjudication of crimes against juveniles. These roundtable discussions were organized in response to concerns from the police and judges that while those committing crimes against children and juveniles were being arrested, poor police investigation and adjudication resulted in perpetrators being released back into the community to victimize innocent children once again. The Africa Division identified legal specialists from the sub-region to conduct a two-day roundtable discussion.
Background
The Rwanda office of the ABA Rule of Law Initiative opened in July of 2004. Our timing coincided with the Ministry of Justice’s (MOJ) completion of a comprehensive re-drafting of law and legislation, including the constitution. As part of its commitment to rule of law reform, the MOJ sought willing partners to facilitate implementation of crucial constitutional changes. In response to the MOJ’s request for assistance, The Africa Division developed a program to support institutional capacity building, coordinated integrated training, and support for legal institutions in Rwanda.
The ABA provided support to: the Ministry of Justice; Supreme Court of Rwanda; the National Police and local NGOs committed to legal aid programs. In this regard the Rule of Law Initiative worked to enhance the capacity of the legal system in Rwanda to provide efficient and effective judicial recourse to those living with, and impacted by, HIV/AIDS, especially women and children who constitute fifty-one percent (51%) of the population.
