From 26th to 27th February 2026, the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), in partnership with UNICEF Rwanda, convened a two-day National Symposium on Child-Friendly Justice at Four Points by Sheraton in Kigali, under the theme “Child Rights Protection: Advancing a Child-Friendly Justice System”.

The symposium provided a national platform for reflection, dialogue, and commitment-building on strengthening child-centered justice systems in Rwanda. It brought together staff from judiciary, prosecution, policymakers, law enforcement institutions, child protection experts, civil society organizations, development partners, and academia to advance a shared agenda for reform.

Guided by Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees every child special protection from the family, the community, and the State, discussions reaffirmed the need for justice systems that prioritize the best interests of the child in both law and practice. Participants reflected on existing legal and policy frameworks, including the Criminal Justice Policy and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Policy adopted in 2022, while also examining persistent gaps in implementation.

Key issues discussed included the continued use of pre-trial detention for minors, limited diversion and non-custodial measures, and challenges in accessing timely legal aid for children in contact with the justice system. These underscored the need to shift from punitive approaches to restorative, child-sensitive responses that support rehabilitation and reintegration.

The symposium allowed participants to review legal frameworks, assess real-world implementation challenges, and develop actionable reforms.