U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Rwanda

37th SessionGeneva, January 25, 2021

As Delivered by Charles Bentley, U.S. Mission to International Organizations in GenevaThe United States warmly welcomes the Rwandan delegation.We recommend that Rwanda:

1. Promote the right to freedom of expression by ending detentions and harassment of members of the media and civil society for their reporting.
2. Independently and transparently investigate credible allegations of unlawful or arbitrary arrests and detentions, killings, and enforced disappearances of human rights defenders, political opponents, and journalists, prosecuting alleged perpetrators under the law.
3. Enforce the protection of all persons’ rights to life and liberty by strengthening the independence of the justice system and ensuring no one is convicted on the basis of information extracted under torture or duress.

We commend Rwanda’s progress increasing gender equality and access to education.  However, we are concerned about limited civic and political space, specifically unduly burdensome permitting requirements which inhibit the right of peaceful assembly.

By U.S. Embassy Rwanda | 26 January, 2021