August 2007

PRI has released a statement in conjunction with Avocats Sans Frontières, the Danish Institute for Human Rights, and RCN Justice & Democracy to express their support for Rwanda’s decision to abolish the death penalty. The statement reads as follows:

‘Human rights and justice institutions and all individuals respectful of human dignity, welcome the abolition of the death penalty in Rwanda. In taking this step Rwanda joins an increasing number of abolitionist countries, thus reinforcing the global abolitionist movement.

By this strong and symbolic gesture, Rwanda has entered into an era where human rights principles and their fields of application are widened and human dignity affirmed.

As human rights and justice organisations, who have been working in Rwanda for a number of years, we applaud today this great advancement. Rwanda is the first country in the Great Lakes region to take this step and join the thirteen other African countries to have abolished the death penalty. Particular recognition is important as this takes place in a country that experienced only a short time ago a genocide, and thus continues to live on a daily basis with the consequences of this terrible event.

At the same time, it can be underlined that human rights have no definitive end: they are continuously progressing and moving forward. This year, June 26 2007, marked the 20th anniversary of entry into force of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and Punishment and the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the World Day against Torture. As a pioneer in abolishing the Death Penalty, Rwanda remains to ratify the Convention against Torture and this would be an important next step.

Avocats Sans Frontières, the Danish Institute for Human Rights, Penal Reform International and RCN Justice & Democracy reiterate our continued support to Rwanda in its efforts to develop the justice system and strengthen the implementation of human rights.  We also renew our commitment to assist in working towards ratification of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and Punishment.

Today, we affirm our shared support for Rwanda and the Rwandan population in taking this important and bold step in abolishing the death penalty.’

For further information please contact prirwanda@penalreform.org