Kigali, Rwanda – 22 October 2025 – The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with justice sector institutions and with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held a one-day Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Strengthening Crime Prevention Strategies in Rwanda at Serena Hotel, Kigali.

The dialogue brought together leaders from justice sector institutions, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to discuss the draft National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS). The meeting aimed to strengthen coordination, innovation, and community participation in efforts to prevent and reduce crime nationwide.

This engagement builds on the outcomes of the 10th Justice, Reconciliation, Law and Order Sector (JRLOS) and UPR Retreat, where the need for a dedicated platform on crime prevention was identified. Participants assessed current prevention efforts, shared best practices, and proposed policy actions to enhance national safety and resilience.

In his keynote address, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, underscored that preventing crime is not only a security objective but also a development imperative. “Every crime prevented safeguards human rights, protects economic assets, and fosters public trust,” he stated. He further reaffirmed the Government’s commitment, adding: “The Government of Rwanda remains firmly committed to fostering a safer, more just, and inclusive society through effective and coordinated crime prevention strategies.”

In her remarks, UNDP Resident Representative in Rwanda, Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, emphasized that “Crime prevention is not just a security issue; it is a development priority. When communities feel safe, they thrive; when justice systems are fair, trust in institutions grows.”

UN Resident Coordinator and Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Rwanda, Ozonnia Ojielo, added that “Crime prevention is not only a national imperative but a global necessity for sustainable peace, security, and development.”

The dialogue is expected to inform the finalization of the NCPS and strengthen collaboration among justice institutions, development partners, and communities — in line with Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which promote safety, security, and the rule of law as key pillars of sustainable development.