The Minister of Justice, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, has emphasized that preventing crime should not be regarded solely as a security objective but as a crucial component of Rwanda’s development agenda.

“Preventing crime is not only a security objective but also a development imperative,” Ugirashebuja said on Wednesday, October 22, during a Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Strengthening Crime Prevention Strategies held at Kigali Serena Hotel.

“Every crime prevented safeguards human rights, protects economic assets, and fosters public trust.”

The dialogue, organized by the Ministry of Justice in collaboration with other judicial institutions and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), served as a follow-up to the 10th Justice, Reconciliation, Law and Order Sector (JRLOS) Peer Review and UPR Retreat.

Ugirashebuja said Rwanda continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to preventing crime through robust institutional, legal, and policy mechanisms.

“As crime evolves, so must our response, guided by evidence, cooperation, and a shared resolve to uphold safety, integrity, and justice,” he noted.

As a center of excellence in legal practice, policy research, and professional training, ILPD provided the evidence-based foundation for the NCPS. The institute coordinated an extensive consultative and analytical process involving stakeholders from the justice sector, law enforcement, academia, civil society, and community representatives.
ILPD’s multidisciplinary team examined crime trends, institutional responses, and socio-economic drivers of delinquency to identify policy gaps and propose integrated solutions.

The findings presented by ILPD outlined strategic pillars that address the multifaceted nature of crime prevention spanning legal reform, institutional coordination, technological innovation, social inclusion, and rehabilitation. These strategies collectively align with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and the Justice, Reconciliation, Law and Order Sector (JRLOS) objectives.

During a panel discussion on Crime Prevention: Forward-looking Approaches to Achieve NST2 Targets, Ugirashebuja underscored the central coordinating role of the Ministry of Justice within the Justice, Reconciliation, Law and Order Sector (JRLOS).

“The Ministry of Justice coordinates all segments of the justice sector to avoid duplication and ensure that every action aligns with a common vision,” he said. “Having a comprehensive policy framework allows us to define where we want to go and how to get there.”

He added that the forthcoming National Crime Prevention Strategy would fill an existing policy gap, complementing frameworks such as the Criminal Justice Policy and the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Policy.

The Minister also underscored the importance of continuous evidence-based legal reform through institutions like the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) and the Law Reform Commission, which ensure laws remain relevant to emerging realities.