A/HRC/31/8
82.
As regards the independence of the judiciary, 20 years ago there had been no justice
to talk about. Rwanda now had a judicial system which had been trusted by the
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Also, the United States of America, Canada,
Sweden, the Netherlands and Uganda were among the countries that had transferred
persons to stand trial in Rwanda, having been satisfied that all such persons would receive a
fair trial.
83.
The Government appreciated the value of human rights defenders. They were free to
report any cases of harassment, which would be promptly investigated. As regards
trafficking in persons, the Government would continue to work with partners and
international organizations to address that problem. On the issue of discrimination, the
delegation stated that any sign of discrimination in political, economic or social discourse
would be promptly addressed.
84.
Rwanda had put a lot of focus and resources into ensuring the rights of vulnerable
people, with the support of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the
Netherlands and Sweden. The Government was working to ensure health insurance for all.
The delegation stated that the human rights action plan existed in draft form, and that it
should be adopted and published by the end of the year.
85.
The Batwa were Rwandans, as were all other ethnic groups in Rwanda. Rwanda had
decided that the nationality of “Rwandan” was more important than having narrowly
defined ethnic groups. Issues relating to child labour, child trafficking and the quality of
education for children were all high priorities for the Government and would be addressed.
86.
Uruguay welcomed the efforts made to ratify the International Convention for the
Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and requested that Rwanda
redouble efforts towards that objective.
87.
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela commended Rwanda for the progress made
in education, particularly access to universal primary education for the first 12 years of
schooling, and welcomed the national policy for gender equality.
88.
Albania commended Rwanda for the progress made in national legislation in relation
to the rights to information and freedom of expression and association; the law on genocide
ideology; and access to justice.
89.
Algeria noted the progress made in the promotion of economic, social and cultural
rights, and the advances in the areas of empowerment of women, protection of children, and
the rights to education and to health.
90.
Angola noted the strengthening of the capacity of the National Commission for
Human Rights and independent agencies. It welcomed the legislative reform to update laws
in line with the constitution and international standards.
91.
Argentina congratulated Rwanda for the approval of law No. 54/2011 relating to the
rights and protection of the child. It noted the adoption of laws to promote gender equality.
92.
Armenia welcomed initiatives protecting the rights of the child, and the progress
made in combating sexual violence. It appreciated the efforts to prevent genocide and the
initiatives taken to combat corruption.
93.
Australia commended Rwanda for development in the area of gender equality. It
expressed concern over the restrictions on fundamental political freedoms. It urged Rwanda
to ensure peaceful, timely, credible and transparent elections.
94.
Austria commended the positive steps taken, in particular the reforms of the media
law. It expressed concern over the narrow legal definition of journalists, the lack of
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