Rwanda Joins the International Community in Celebrating International Human Rights Day
On 10 December 2025, Rwanda joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Human Rights Day, with the national event held in Rusizi District.
The celebration, organized by the Rwanda National Human Rights Commission (NCHR), followed a week of community-based activities aimed at raising awareness and strengthening public understanding of human rights. These activities included participation in intekoz’abaturage, Umuganda, and football competitions. The football competition brought together teams from Nyamasheke and Rusizi districts, who played in the context of promoting human rights awareness.
In her remarks, Mrs. Providence Umurungi, Chairperson of the Rwanda National Human Rights Commission, thanked all partners who supported the Commission’s activities and took part in this year’s celebration. She emphasized that the protection of human rights must remain a national priority and a shared responsibility for all Rwandans.
During the event, various leaders delivered messages highlighting the central role of human rights in everyday life. They stressed that human rights must be respected and upheld for every individual, and that social cohesion depends on collective efforts to ensure that no one’s rights are violated.
Speakers including the Minister of Justice, representatives of the European Union, the United Nations, the Western Province Governor, and other dignitaries noted that Rwanda continues to enjoy peace and stability after past human rights violations. They called upon citizens to remain vigilant and work together to prevent any form of rights abuse. They also reminded participants that, despite Rwanda’s progress, many regions around the world including Ukraine and the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to face serious human rights crises.
This year’s International Human Rights Day was celebrated under the theme “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials.”The event marked the 26 th national commemoration in Rwanda and the 77th anniversary of the global celebration.
Angelique Mukamurenzi