Geneva, 21 January 2026 — Rwanda today concluded its Fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR), during which it reaffirmed its commitment to advancing human rights through national strategies that place citizens at the centre of governance and development.

The review provided Rwanda with an opportunity to present progress achieved since its previous review in 2021, outline remaining challenges, and share national priorities. The UPR is a peer-review mechanism through which all UN Member States assess one another’s human rights records.

The delegation of Rwanda was led by Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and comprised senior officials from institutions forming Rwanda’s National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up (NMIRF). The delegation included Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa, Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations in Geneva; Dr. Doris Picard Uwicyeza, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Governance Board; Mr. Ivan Murenzi, Director General of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda; and Mr. Bob Gakire, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government.

In her remarks introducing the delegation, Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa underlined the Universal Periodic Review as a mechanism through which human rights are assessed by their impact on citizens’ daily lives, and highlighted Rwanda’s coordinated, whole-of-government approach to implementation, reporting, and follow-up.

Presenting Rwanda’s national report, the delegation collectively highlighted evidence-based progress across civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, alongside areas requiring sustained effort. Rwanda underscored ongoing legal and policy reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law, improving access to justice, reinforcing accountability, and ensuring inclusive participation.

In this context, Rwanda highlighted reforms to strengthen media freedom, expand civic space, and uphold the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, areas that featured prominently in the interactive dialogue. The delegation also underscored continued efforts to promote social inclusion, including policies and programmes advancing the rights and participation of persons with disabilities.

Rwanda further presented evidence-based results reflecting progress in key areas, including sanitation, maternal health, and poverty reduction, illustrating how coordinated national action translates policies and reforms into tangible outcomes for citizens.

Addressing the review, the Minister of Justice stated:

“The promotion and protection of human rights remain fundamental to establishing a secure and just environment for all citizens. Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation 2 (2024–2029) links development goals with protecting rights, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring inclusive participation.”

Following this review, Rwanda will consider the recommendations received in line with its Constitution, international obligations, national context, and development priorities.

The interactive dialogue featured statements from more than 100 Member States.

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