RIB rallies local leaders and communities to combat child abuse and Gender-Based Violence in Rutsiro
In a decisive step to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) and child abuse, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) organized a campaign on December 10, 2024, in Ruhango and Musasa Sectors of Rutsiro District. The event, attended by local leaders and community members, aimed to raise awareness and strengthen collaborative efforts to protect vulnerable groups, especially children.
Jean Damascene Ntahoturi, an investigator from RIB’s department for combating violence-related crimes, emphasized the urgency of prioritizing child protection due to their vulnerability.
“Children are the most vulnerable members of society and are often the primary victims of abuse, as statistics show. This is why we must prioritize their protection,” he stated.
Ntahoturi outlined various forms of child abuse prevalent in communities, including sexual abuse, neglect, physical and emotional abuse, and exposure to sexually explicit materials. He specifically warned parents about the dangers of giving children unrestricted access to smartphones, highlighting the risk of exposure to pornography, which can harm their mental health and increase their vulnerability to predators.
Additionally, Ntahoturi called on parents to avoid actions such as giving children alcohol or drugs, exploiting them for labor or prostitution, or involving them in pornography, urging them to be vigilant about their children’s welfare.
Participants appreciated the campaign’s timely intervention. Mukandutiye Agnes, a community member, noted:
“We truly appreciate RIB for organizing this event because we have learned so much. Cases of child abuse are prevalent in our community and severely affect children. Some men abandon their families, only to return later with children born from other relationships, expecting their wives to raise them. This creates constant conflict, negatively impacting the children’s upbringing.”
She further highlighted issues such as children being taken to work in bars, hotels, and lodges, often resulting in teenage pregnancies and other challenges.
Bisangabagabo Sylvestre, Executive Secretary of Ruhango Sector, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these issues by calling on parents to take full responsibility for their children’s upbringing.
“Some households do not give their children the attention they deserve. We urge parents to prioritize their children’s education and ensure that those who drop out are reintegrated into school. Additionally, we encourage the community to report any cases of missing children or households where children are absent so we can collectively work to locate and return them to their families,” he said.
This campaign forms part of RIB’s broader strategy to combat GBV and child abuse through community engagement and leadership empowerment. Earlier in the year, RIB, in collaboration with UN/Rwanda, trained local leaders in Rutsiro District to improve the reporting of GBV cases, provide support to survivors, and foster partnerships to end violence.
Currently, the campaign is being implemented across districts in Rwanda’s Western Province, ensuring a widespread effort to protect children and fight gender-based violence. By focusing on awareness and collaborative action, RIB is empowering communities and leaders to create a safer environment for vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
The campaign emphasized the collective role of communities, leaders, and parents in eradicating GBV and child abuse. By fostering collaboration, raising awareness, and holding perpetrators accountable, Rwanda continues to strengthen its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring justice for victims.
This ongoing campaign underscores RIB’s dedication to addressing systemic violence and promoting inclusive, violence-free communities across the Western Province and the entire nation.
GASHONGA Jean Claude
