RIB Campaign in Western Province: Public Warned Against Concealing Sexual Abuse and Harassment

On Wednesday , December 11, 2024, local leaders from Bwishyura Sector in Karongi District participated in a campaign aimed at fighting sexual violence and child abuse. One form of abuse that is often not reported is physical harassment.

Sophie Mutoniwase, from International Organization for Migration (IOM), which is collaborating with the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) in this campaign, explained to participants how physical harassment is sometimes committed in subtle ways, making it hard for victims to recognize the harm. She gave examples such as someone greeting another person by patting them on the hand, another slapping someone’s buttocks, or someone stepping on another person’s foot gently while sitting together in a public place. These actions, though seemingly harmless, are forms of harassment.

Mutoniwase also highlighted that women can be perpetrators of physical harassment towards men, pointing out that women sometimes wear revealing clothing that attracts unwanted attention, which can lead to harassment. She encouraged people to be mindful of such behaviors, as they could lead to sexual violence.

Jean Claude Ntirenganya, from RIB’s Crime Prevention Unit, informed the participants that physical harassment is a criminal offense under the law. He emphasized that such harassment often involves cunning tactics, and urged victims to report these incidents without shame. He reassured them that RIB thoroughly investigates all reports of harassment, and those found guilty face legal consequences.

Esperance Mukamana, one of the campaign participants, expressed gratitude for the information shared during the campaign. She admitted that although they had observed such behaviors before (e.g., someone giving an unusual look or touching another person inappropriately), they hadn’t fully understood that these actions constituted harassment. Now that they understand it is a criminal offense, they are committed to preventing it and identifying the perpetrators.

Belararimini Niyigaba, the Bwishyura Sector official in charge of Civil Registration, thanked RIB and UN Rwanda for organizing the campaign. He mentioned that the knowledge shared would assist local leaders in educating the community on the importance of preventing all forms of violence and reporting perpetrators. He also expressed the hope that similar training sessions could be organized for the youth to continue raising awareness in the future.

Gashonga Jean Claude