Enhancing Access to Justice for SGBV Survivors – Musanze District Training
The Center for Justice and Advocacy (CJA), in its continued commitment to promote equitable justice, held a training in Musanze District under the theme “Enhancing Access to Justice for SGBV Survivors and Strengthening Justice Actors in Rwanda.” The training convened a diverse group of justice actors, including representatives from the Rwanda National Police (RNP), Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Executive Secretaries from various sectors, the Access to Justice Bureau (MAJ), and civil society organizations. Their collective presence underscored the importance of collaboration in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The session was led by Me. Dativa Uwezeyimana, Program Coordinator for Access to Justice at CJA. She opened by addressing the challenges surrounding SGBV in Rwanda, highlighting a central concern: survivors often refrain from reporting cases due to fear that their experiences will not be handled with sensitivity.
Participants engaged in a dynamic exchange on real-world challenges.
- RNP representatives pointed to the lack of specialized training for officers as a major barrier in handling SGBV cases effectively.
- RIB participants noted that crucial evidence is often destroyed or compromised, largely due to ignorance, delayed reporting, or mishandling by untrained first responders.
A central focus of the training was proper evidence collection and preservation, which is vital in ensuring justice for survivors. Me. Dativa emphasized that even the strongest survivor testimony can be undermined without supporting evidence. She shared practical guidance on:
- Preserving physical evidence such as clothing and biological samples.
- Ensuring immediate medical examinations and proper record-keeping.
- Safeguarding digital evidence where applicable.
- Raising community awareness on the importance of timely reporting and non-interference with potential evidence.
She reminded justice actors that small oversights such as delays in referral, poor documentation, or improper storage can significantly weaken a case.
The session concluded with participants renewing their commitment to strengthen coordination, apply survivor-centered approaches, and build technical capacity to ensure that SGBV cases are effectively prosecuted.
This training reaffirmed that delivering justice for survivors requires more than laws. It demands empathy, professionalism, and collaboration. By prioritizing survivor-sensitive approaches and improving evidence handling, Rwanda takes yet another step toward delivering true and equitable justice for all.