ARTICLE 19 welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of Rwanda. This submission focuses on Rwanda’s compliance with its obligations under international human rights law to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression and information.
ARTICLE 19 observes that Rwanda has made some positive progress towards implementing many recommendations that it accepted during its first UPR to advance protections for freedom of expression and information. This includes progress in reforming media laws and moving towards a system of media self-regulation.
Nevertheless, there are still numerous concerns in relation to freedom of expression, and areas for further improvement.
The submission addresses the following:
- Laws restricting freedom of expression
- Media self-regulation
- Harassment, intimidation and attacks on journalists
- Public participation and access to information