On 30 September 2025, Rwanda brought together government institutions, civil society, media, the private sector, academia, development partners, and the UN for a National Stakeholders’ Validation Workshop of its Fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Report.

Held in Kigali, the workshop aimed to finalize the national report before its submission to the Human Rights Council. Over the past four and a half years, Rwanda has implemented 160 UPR recommendations through legal reforms, institutional improvements, and inclusive policymaking following its third review in January 2021.

In his opening remarks, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General emphasized that human rights in Rwanda are not simply a matter of international compliance, but a deeply rooted national commitment.

“We do not act simply to comply with Geneva. Promoting human rights is our sovereign duty. It is enshrined in our Constitution and central to our national vision,” the Minister stated.

He praised the participatory nature of the report’s development, led through the National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRF), which brought together a wide range of institutions and stakeholders. He also acknowledged the contributions of civil society, the National Human Rights Commission, and citizens themselves.

“Human rights are a shared endeavor,” he said. “Our achievements reflect strong collaboration across sectors, including reforms by government institutions, oversight from civil society, support from partners, and engagement from the Rwandan people.”

The validation workshop followed a technical review earlier in September and aimed to ensure the final draft is accurate, inclusive, and evidence-based. It also served as a platform for reflection, dialogue, and consensus-building.

As Rwanda prepares to submit the finalized report to the Human Rights Council, the Minister called for renewed commitment.

“Let us leave this validation with a shared determination to ensure that every Rwandan enjoys freedom, equality, and opportunity. Our development must remain truly people-centered, leaving no one behind.”

Read the opening speech