On 9 July 2020, The Advocates for Human Rights submitted a stakeholder report for the 37th Session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review on Rwanda’s failure to comply with international human rights obligations.
Although the Constitution of Rwana establishes a basis for human and democratic rights—including the right to vote and be elected, the right to freedom of thought, religion, worship, and the right to freedom of assembly—the Rwandan Government continues to engage in anti-democratic actions.
Corruption is widespread, torture carried out by government agents are commonly reported, and enforced disappearances continue. Additionally, Rwanda’s ruling party has repeatedly engaged in intimidation and harassment against its political opponents. Supporters of any opposition candidate often experience arbitrary arrests and detention. While several clients of The Advocates have corroborated these claims of torture and reprisals, no client has mentioned any investigations into these incidents.
The authors of the report conclude with a list of recommendations. Some of these recommendations include: