Kigali, January 16, 2026 — The Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) has rolled out a specialized Child Justice course, reaffirming its commitment to building a child-centered justice system in Rwanda. The program, developed in partnership with UNICEF, seeks to close gaps in the handling of cases involving children by equipping professionals with multidisciplinary skills.

Speaking at the launch of the third intake, ILPD Rector Dr. Aimé Muyoboke Karimunda stressed that legal expertise alone is insufficient when dealing with children in conflict with the law or in need of protection. “Effective child justice requires understanding child psychology, social dynamics, and developmental issues to ensure decisions serve the best interests of the child,” he said.

Unlike conventional legal training, the course is designed to be inclusive and interdisciplinary. Judges, prosecutors, lawyers, social workers, child protection officers, law enforcement personnel, and even parents are eligible to enroll. Dr. Karimunda noted that lack of awareness often leads to unintentional violations of children’s rights, adding that the program equips participants to respond appropriately when a child requires justice or protection.

Prosecutor Françoise Mushimiyimana, one of the new participants, welcomed the initiative, saying it addresses a critical gap in practice. “We often focus narrowly on legal provisions without considering the broader circumstances of the child. Many come from backgrounds marked by family breakdown, conflict, or neglect. Justice must reflect these realities,” she explained. Mushimiyimana added that the training will improve coordination among institutions; ensuring children receive holistic justice and follow-up support after judicial decisions.

Vedaste Niringiyimana from the National Child Development Agency (NCDA) echoed the importance of the program, noting that child protection institutions have struggled to determine whether cases should be handled through the justice system or referred to alternative services such as mental health or social support. “This training clarifies institutional roles and strengthens collaboration among stakeholders to ensure appropriate responses for each child,” he said.

Key areas of focus include preventing children from being treated as adults in judicial proceedings, promoting rehabilitative and alternative measures to detention, and safeguarding children’s development throughout justice processes.

By introducing this course, ILPD continues to advance its mission of building professional capacity and fostering a responsive, inclusive, and child-friendly justice system aligned with Rwanda’s national priorities and international child rights standards.