Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

1. Overview

Law No. 027/2019 of 19/09/2019 Relating to the Criminal Procedure stipulates the following:

Article 20: Summons by an investigator

A person summoned by an investigator for the purposes of investigation is required to appear. In case of failure to appear, he or she can be compelled to appear upon presenting to him or her of warrant signed by the prosecutor.

…

Article 28: Procedures for summoning a suspect

A prosecutor in charge of case file preparation may summon a suspect by issuing one of the following documents:

1. a summons;
2. a warrant to appear;
3. a warrant to bring by force;

Warrants referred to in Paragraph One of this Article are enforceable throughout the entire country.

A prosecutor in charge of case file preparation may request the Prosecutor General or the Military Prosecutor General in case of persons prosecuted by military courts, to issue an international arrest warrant against a suspect who is in a foreign country. …

Article 32: Summoning a witness

A prosecutor summons any person whose testimony he or she considers relevant to appear by issuing a summons or a warrant to appear. Any person so summoned is given a copy of such a document.

Witnesses are summoned through administrative entities by court bailiffs or security organs. However, they may appear on their own initiative.

Any person duly summoned must appear. (Rwanda 2019, emphasis in original)

2. Summonses

Law No. 027/2019 provides the following regarding a summons:

Article 29: Summons

A summons is a written notice issued by an investigator or a prosecutor to a person mentioned therein requesting him or her to appear before a prosecutor or an investigator on a date and at time therein specified.

If possible and where proof may be available that the summons has been duly issued to the concerned person, the summons may be served to the concerned person by means of information and communication technology. (Rwanda 2019, emphasis in original)

In correspondence with the Research Directorate, the Legal Aid Forum (LAF), a "non-state legal aid provider in Rwanda" comprising 38 national and international NGOs, professional associations, universities' legal clinics, and "faith-based initiatives" and serving "indigent and vulnerable people" in particular (LAF n.d.), stated that a summons is a "formal written notice compelling an individual to appear for investigation or other case-related proceedings" (LAF 2025-05-09).

2.1 Issuance and Service Process

Law No. 027/2019 indicates the following regarding the requirements and procedure to issue a summons:

Article 98: Summons to appear before court

In case the case file is due to be heard, parties are immediately summoned to appear in courts for proceedings.

Summoning is done through technology and must at least indicate the names of the plaintiff [the French version of the law reads ''l'accusé'' (accused) and the Kinyarwanda version of the law reads ''uwarezwe'' (the accused person)], domicile or residence, charges, court before which he or she has to appear, venue, day and time to appear. It also indicates if the plaintiff [the French version of the law reads ''l'accusé'' (accused)] must appear before court in person or represented.

In case the use of technology is impossible, the summons is posted at the known domicile of the defendant in Rwanda and it is personally given to the defendant or served at his or her residence.

In case the defendant does not have any known domicile in Rwanda but with a known residence, the summons is served at his or her residence.

The summons is served by a court bailiff or a court registrar. The copy of the summons is given to the Prosecutor, the accused, the person liable to pay damages or any other summoned person.

In case of unavailability of the summoned person, the summons is served to his or her spouse, employer, next of kin, employee who live in his or her domicile or residence and are at least sixteen (16) years of age.

In case none is available among those mentioned, the summons is given to the executive secretary of the cell of domicile or residence of the defendant.

The summons may also be served by sending its copy in a sealed envelope in a registered mail or carried by a messenger who is required to indicate acknowledgment of receipt which bears the date [the French version of the law does not include a mention of the date] and the signature of the summoned person or of one of the persons mentioned in the preceding Paragraph.

Article 99: Modalities of summons by public notice

Summons by public notice is made by posting a copy of the summons in a visible place on the court premises determined by the court seized of the case in addition to posting the extract of such summons at the seats of all Intermediate Courts and making it public using any other channel the court may deem appropriate within a period of two (2) months.

Service of summons provided for under Paragraph One of this Article is accompanied by the publication of the order of the President of the Court compelling the accused to appear within the prescribed time limits and informing him or her that he or she is expected to collect a copy of the complaint from the court registry.

The order is published in one state-owned newspaper and if necessary, in another independent newspaper with wide circulation determined by the President of the Court.

The President of the Court may order that the summons be published using any other appropriate means such as radio, television or any other electronic channel.

The order is published in Kinyarwanda. However, if necessary, its publication may be in another official language if necessary.

Article 100: Proof of summons by public notice

Summons by public notice is evidenced by the deposit into the court registry of a copy of the page of the newspaper in which the summons was published.

Article 101: Summons addressed to organisations and legal entities

The summons addressed to organizations and legal entities are served through electronic means. In case of impossibility to serve the summons electronically, the summons is served at their registered office or at any of their branch office.

The summons is given to the person responsible for receiving mails.

If the registered office of such organizations and legal entities is unknown, the summons is served in the manner provided for under Article 99 of this Law.

Article 102: Summoning a person with known or unknown residence or domicile abroad

If the summoned person has no residence or domicile in Rwanda but has a known residence abroad, a copy of the summons is posted on a notice board in the premises of the court which must hear the case and at any other place determined by the court, with another copy immediately sent to the summoned person through technology, the post office or through the Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs who then issues an acknowledgement of receipt.

If the summoned person has unknown residence or domicile in Rwanda or abroad, a copy of the summons is posted on a notice board in the premises of the court which must hear the case and in any other place determined by the court, with extracts being made public using any other channel the court considers appropriate.

Article 103: Time limits for the appearance of the accused or the person liable for damages

Time limits for the appearance of the accused or the person liable for damages is eight (8) days, but excluding the date of receipt of the summons and that of appearance.

Time limits for the appearance of persons who have no known residence or domicile in Rwanda or abroad is two (2) months.

If the summons is served on a person in his or her country of residence while he or she neither domiciles nor resides in Rwanda, the time limit for appearance is one (1) month. The court may extend such time limit if deemed necessary.

Article 104: Reduction of the period to appear

The President of the Court may, by use of an order explaining reasons and which must be notified to the accused during summoning or to the person required to pay damages, if necessary, reduce the period of eight (8) days specified in paragraph one of Article 103 of this Law, if the accused committed a petty offence, caught red-handed, pleads guilty or if he or she immediately appeared and any other reasons the court may consider necessary.

Article 105: Time limits for appearance in case of a summons by mail, by a messenger or by posting in an appropriate place

If the summons is sent through the post office or a messenger, the time limits for appearance start from the date the post or messenger delivers it to the summoned person.

If the summons is posted on a notice board in the court premises and at such other place as may be determined by the court, the time limits for appearance start from the date of the posting on the court premises.

Article 106: Summoning co-offenders or accomplices that were not brought before the court

If the court believes that there are reasonable grounds to suspect co-offenders or accomplices in commission of an offence, the court summons them to provide any required details in the proceedings.

If the person summoned does not appear, the court orders the public prosecution to compel that person to appear.

If the court examines the person summoned in the proceedings in the procedure provided for under Paragraphs One and 2 of this Article and discovers that the evidence is insufficient to convict the person, the court decides to proceed with the hearing without re-summoning them in proceedings.

If the court believes that the details submitted are insufficient and that there is incriminating evidence, the court instructs the public prosecution to conduct investigations on the basis of findings in the court proceedings in order to take him or her to court. The public prosecution is also required to comply with the decision of the court. (Rwanda 2019, emphasis in original)

In correspondence with the Research Directorate, Human Rights First Rwanda Association (HRFRA), a non-profit organization in Rwanda that promotes human rights education and provides legal aid to "poor and vulnerable groups" (HRFRA n.d.), indicated that summonses can be issued during the course of investigations or inquiries, "often under the authority of investigators or police officers" (HRFRA 2025-05-08). The LAF stated that summonses can be issued in writing by a RIB investigator or a prosecutor from the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) (2025-05-09). The same source added that summonses are "now issued through the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS)" [1] (LAF 2025-05-09).

Sources indicated that a summons document include the time, date and place of appearance (HRFRA 2025-05-08; LAF 2025-05-09), as well as the "recipient's full name" and "the identity of the issuing official" (LAF 2025-05-09).

2.2 Appearance, Content and Security Features

Samples of summonses issued by the RIB and the RNP could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

Article 98 of Law No. 027/2019 states the following regarding the content of a summons:

…

Summoning is done through technology and must at least indicate the names of the plaintiff [the French version of the law reads ''l'accusé'' (accused) and the Kinyarwanda version of the law reads ''uwarezwe'' (the accused person)], domicile or residence, charges, court before which he or she has to appear, venue, day and time to appear. It also indicates if the plaintiff [the French version of the law reads ''l'accusé'' (accused)] must appear before court in person or represented.

… (Rwanda 2019)

Article 99 of the same law stipulates the following regarding the language of the summons:

…

The order is published in Kinyarwanda. However, if necessary, its publication may be in another official language if necessary. (Rwanda 2019)

Sources stated that summonses have "standardized format and content" nationwide (LAF 2025-05-09) or that the format is "generally consistent," though there may be "sligh[t]" variations between regional offices (HRFRA 2025-05-08).

HRFRA indicated that summonses issued by the RIB and RNP "typically appear on official institutional letterhead and bear the logo or emblem of the issuing body" (2025-05-08). The LAF noted the following formatting elements on a summons:

• Heading: "Republic of Rwanda"
• On the left: national emblem
• In the centre: name of the issuing institution
• On the right: logo of the issuing institution (RIB or NPPA) (2025-05-09).
  
  

The LAF added that the new format, introduced in 2025, replaces previous versions which only included the institutional logo (2025-05-09).

HRFRA listed the following "[c]ommon features" of the document:

• Name of the summoned individual
• Reason for the summons (may be general or specific)
• Date, time, and location of required appearance
• Signature of the issuing officer
• Institutional stamp
• Reference number (2025-05-08).
  
  

Similarly, the LAF stated that the document includes the following features:

• Full name and identity details of person being summoned
• Legal basis for summons ("specific reason for the summons is not detailed in the document," but will "be communicated upon appearance")
• Date, time, and location of appearance
• Name and signature of issuing officer with official institutional stamp
• Reference number (2025-05-09).
  
  

HRFRA noted that security features for summons documents vary depending on the issuing office, but may include "official stamps, watermarks, embossed seals, [and] document codes" (2025-05-08). The LAF stated that while the document is not printed on "security paper," its security features are the "official stamp and signature of the issuing officer, a unique reference number traceable in the IECMS, and uniform formatting that follows centrally approved templates" (2025-05-09).

According to IGIHE, a "pro-government" [2] Rwandan news site (BBC 2024-07-16), a Rwandan public figure who was accused in 2017 of "inciting insurrection among the population, discrimination and sectarian practices" was summoned by the RIB in a letter that is quoted as follows: "'You are summoned on 8th April 2021 at 9am at RIB Headquarters in Kimihurura'" (IGIHE 2021-04-08).

3. Warrants to Appear

Law No. 027/2019 states the following:

Article 30: Warrant to appear

A warrant to appear is a written notice issued by an investigator or a prosecutor to compel the person therein mentioned to appear before him or her on a date and at a time specified.

A warrant to appear does not constitute an order of arrest or detention. It is rather a document issued to a person who does not appear after having received the summons provided for under Article 29 of this Law.

A warrant to appear is issued to a suspect, an accused person or a witness in a case, irrespective of the gravity of the offence. (Rwanda 2019, emphasis in original)

According to the LAF, if an individual fails to appear after being summoned, "without valid justification," an investigator or prosecutor may issue a warrant to appear (2025-05-09).

3.1 Issuance Process

Information on the issuance process of warrants to appear could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

3.2 Appearance, Content and Security Features

Information on the appearance, content and security features of warrants to appear could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

4. Warrants to Bring by Force

Law No. 027/2019 states the following:

Article 31: Warrant to bring by force

A warrant to bring by force is a written order issued by a prosecutor to Law enforcement officers to bring by force a person who is suspected to have committed an offence or a person who refuses to appear after being legally summoned by an investigator or a prosecutor.

A warrant to bring by force is not an order of detention but rather an order to apprehend the suspect. A warrant to bring by force is valid for three (3) months from the date it is signed.

If the period mentioned in Paragraph 2 of this Article expires, a warrant to bring by force ceases to be enforceable upon its expiry unless it is renewed by the issuing authority.

If, for any reason whatsoever, the issuing authority is absent, the warrant to bring by force is renewed by the chief prosecutor of the operating area of the issuing authority.

The warrant to bring by force can also be issued against any escaped detainee.

If the wanted person is arrested, he or she is immediately brought before the officer who ordered the arrest. If he or she cannot be immediately brought before that officer, he or she is provisionally detained within a period not exceeding five (5) days in a relevant custody facility within the jurisdiction of the nearest investigator.

…

Article 33: A warrant to bring by force issued against a witness who refuses to appear

A prosecutor may issue a warrant to bring by force against any witness who refuses to appear on his/her own initiative or on the request of an investigator.

A witness who is legally summoned and does not appear with no justifiable reason or refuses to testify when required to do so, may be brought before the court and face the penalties provided for by law determining offences and penalties in general.

A witness who fails to appear after a second summons or a warrant to bring by force is issued does not face penalties if he or she has justifiable grounds.

When a witness cannot appear before a prosecutor for legitimate reasons, the prosecutor interrogates the witness from the place of the witness or the prosecutor may delegate another person for that assignment.

…

Article 37: Enforcement of a warrant to bring by force and arrest warrant

A warrant to bring by force and arrest warrant are enforced by any Law enforcement officer and must be shown to the persons against whom they are issued and such persons are given a copy of the warrant.

The original or copy of a warrant to bring by force or an arrest warrant is immediately sent to the person responsible for its enforcement. (Rwanda 2019, emphasis in original)

According to the LAF, a prosecutor may issue a warrant to bring by force a person who, when summoned, failed to appear "without valid justification" (2025-05-09).

4.1 Issuance Process

Information on the issuance process of warrants to bring by force was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

A lawyer interviewed by IGIHE stated that "'the institution with the mandate to carry out investigation collaborates with the [Public] Prosecution'" to issue a warrant to bring by force when an individual has twice been summoned and failed to comply (IGIHE 2021-04-08).

4.2 Appearance, Content and Security Features

Information on the appearance, content and security features of warrants to bring by force could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

5. Arrest Warrants

Law No. 027/2019 states the following regarding various types of arrest warrants:

Article 35: Provisional arrest warrant issued by a prosecutor

A provisional arrest warrant is an order of detention signed by a prosecutor in the course of case file preparation after the suspect is informed of the charges against him or her.

A provisional arrest warrant is valid for five (5) days non-renewable.

Article 36: International arrest warrant

An international arrest warrant is an order signed by the Prosecutor General or Military Prosecutor General issued against a person in a foreign country suspected of having committed a felony or a misdemeanour. (Rwanda 2019, emphasis in original)

According to the LAF, there are 2 categories of arrest warrants under national law, provisional arrest warrants ("commonly referred to simply as an 'arrest warrant'") and international arrest warrants (2025-05-09). The first is issued by a prosecutor "during the case file preparation phase, after the suspect has been informed of the charges," and allows for the detention of an individual for "a period of five days and is non-renewable" (LAF 2025-05-09). International arrest warrants are issued by the Prosecutor General or the Military Prosecutor General for suspects abroad and targets individuals "accused of felonies or misdemeanors" (LAF 2025-05-09).

The LAF further indicated that arrest warrants are a "formal detention order" issued by a prosecutor "under the authority" of the NPPA and that they "explain the legal justification for arrest," including the gravity of the offence, the risk of the suspect absconding, and the necessity for public safety (2025-05-09). The same source added that it "directs law enforcement to arrest the named individual and detain them at a specific facility" (LAF 2025-05-09).

5.1 Issuance Process

Information on the issuance process of arrest warrants was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

Law No. 027/2019 states the following on the enforcement and notification of arrest warrants:

Article 37: Enforcement of a warrant to bring by force and arrest warrant

A warrant to bring by force and arrest warrant are enforced by any Law enforcement officer and must be shown to the persons against whom they are issued and such persons are given a copy of the warrant.

The original or copy of a warrant to bring by force or an arrest warrant is immediately sent to the person responsible for its enforcement. (Rwanda 2019, emphasis in original)

The same law provides the following regarding the circumstances under which a suspect accused of a crime may be provisionally arrested and detained:

Article 66: Arrest and detention

A suspect normally remains free during investigation. He or she may be held in provisional detention if there are sufficient grounds to believe that he or she committed an offence which is punishable with imprisonment for a term of at least two (2) years.

However, even if the penalty provided for is less than two (2) years but not less than six (6) months, the investigator or prosecutor may provisionally detain the suspect if:

1. there is reason to believe that the suspect may evade justice;
2. the identity of the suspect is unknown or doubtful;
3. the provisional detention is the only way to prevent the suspect from disposing of evidence or exerting pressure on witnesses and victims or prevent collusion between the suspect and their accomplices;
4. such detention is the only way to protect the accused, to ensure that the accused appears before judicial organs whenever required or to prevent the offence from continuing or reoccurring.

The investigator or prosecutor, while taking the decision to detain, considers other circumstances related to the conduct and behaviour of the suspect, the category and the gravity of the offence or whether the objective of detaining the suspect may not be achieved through any other means.

A statement of arrest and detention of the suspect is valid for five (5) days which cannot be extended. A copy of such a statement is reserved to the suspect.

A suspect who is arrested is immediately released if the organ in charge of investigation or the Public Prosecution finds in the course of investigation that there are no serious grounds for suspecting him or her of having committed or attempted to commit an offence. Such a decision is put in writing whose copy is reserved to the suspect.

…

Article 68: Rights of the suspect

Any person held in custody by the organ in charge of investigation or public prosecution must be notified of the charges against him or her and his or her rights including the right to inform his or her legal counsel or any other person of his or her choice. Such a notification is made in a statement signed by both the investigator and the suspect.

… (Rwanda 2019, emphasis in original)

HRFRA noted that arrest warrants are "authorized by a competent judicial officer or prosecutor" except if the individual in question is caught in the act of committing a crime (in "flagrante delicto") (2025-05-08). The source added that the warrant "must cite legal justification and is executed by law enforcement personnel" (HRFRA 2025-05-08). The LAF noted that once it is executed, the investigation station commander signs the arrest warrant "to confirm receipt and detention" (LAF 2025-05-09).

The US Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2023 indicates the following on arrest warrant procedures and their implementation in practice:

The law required authorities to investigate and obtain a warrant before arresting a suspect. Authorities were required to serve arrest warrants during daylight hours, but there were reports of police conducting searches and arrests outside of these hours. Police could detain suspects for up to 72 hours without an arrest warrant. Prosecutors were required to submit formal charges within five days of arrest. Police could detain children a maximum of 15 days in pretrial detention but only for crimes that carried a penalty of five years or more imprisonment. Police and prosecutors frequently disregarded these provisions and held individuals, sometimes for months and often without charge, particularly in security-related cases. (2024-04-23, 6)

5.2 Appearance, Content and Security Features

Samples of arrest warrants could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

According to HRFRA, arrest warrants are "formal documents" issued by a prosecutor or judge; content is "uniform" across Rwanda, but layout may "vary slightly" (2025-05-08). The LAF stated that the format and content of arrest warrants are "uniform" nationwide, "as required by NPPA's standard operating procedures" (2025-05-09). HRFRA noted that the document "generally" includes the following features:

• Full name and identification of the person to be arrested
• Description or nature of the offence
• Reference to legal provisions
• Date of issuance
• Full details of the issuing authority (name, rank, office)
• Institutional seal and signature (2025-05-08).
  
  

The LAF reported that arrest warrants include the prosecutor's signature and a stamped NPPA seal (2025-05-09). The source added that the arrest warrant is "clearly" titled as "'ARREST WARRANT' with the subheading 'In the Name of the Rwandese People'," and contains the following additional information:

• Reference number
• Personal details of the suspect (name, date of birth, ID number, address, parents' names, and profession)
• Description of the charge "citing relevant legal provisions" (2025-05-09).
  
  

The LAF added that the format of arrest warrants includes the following elements:

• On the left: official emblem of the Republic of Rwanda
• On the right: NPPA logo
• Centered at the top: "Republic of Rwanda" is written, followed by the full name of the NPPA in English, French and Kinyarwanda, "National Public Prosecution Authority," "Organe National de Poursuite Judiciaire," and "Ubushinjacyaha Bukuru" respectively (2025-05-09).
  
  

According to the same source, the header of the document also contains the NPPA's contact information (PO Box, email address, and website) (LAF 2025-05-09).

HRFRA noted that security features "may include serial or tracking numbers" and the insignia for the institution; "in newer systems," QR codes may also be provided (2025-05-08). The LAF indicated that the security features are the "official seal, signature of the prosecutor, a traceable reference number," and that the "formal layout and nationwide standardization" act as an assurance of "document authenticity and legal compliance" (2025-05-09).

6. Issuance of Documents by the RIB

Information on the issuance of summonses and arrest warrants by the RIB was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

According to its website, the RIB was established by law in 2017 and designated responsibility for "career criminal investigative functions," which were formerly a part of the RNP's mandate (Rwanda n.d.b). The RIB is in charge of preventing and investigating terrorism, cybercrime, gender-based violence, corruption and embezzlement of public funds, as well as human and drug trafficking (Rwanda n.d.c). Law No.12/2017 of 07/04/2017 Establishing the Rwanda Investigation Bureau and Determining its Mission, Powers, Organisation and Functioning includes the following provisions on its structure:

Article 5: Autonomy

RIB enjoys administrative, financial and human resource management autonomy.

Article 6: Collaboration between RIB and the National Public Prosecution Authority

In performing its mission, RIB acts under the supervision and instruction of the National Public Prosecution Authority for criminal acts under its investigation.

Article 7: Supervising authority of RIB

RIB is supervised by the Ministry in charge of Justice. (Rwanda 2017, emphasis in original)

According to LAF, while the RIB has the legal authority to issue summonses, only a "competent prosecutor" at the NPPA has the "legal authority to issue arrest warrants" (LAF 2025-05-09). The same source added that the RIB's role is "strictly limited to executing warrants issued by a qualified prosecutor" (LAF 2025-05-09).

7. Issuance of Documents by the RNP

Information on the issuance of summonses and arrest warrants by the RNP was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

According to LAF, the RNP "does not have the legal mandate to issue a summons or arrest warrants," as its competence is "limited to the execution of arrests involving individuals suspected of committing offences, persons who are fugitives or wanted, and those implicated in acts that breach public safety" (2025-05-09). Law No. 058/2023 of 04/12/2023 Amending Law No. 027/2019 of 19/09/2019 Relating to the Criminal Procedure provides the following regarding its responsibilities:

Article 3: Acts within the responsibilities of Rwanda National Police related to preliminary investigations

In Law nº 27/2019 of 19/09/2019 relating to the criminal procedure, an Article 16 bis is inserted which is worded as follows:

"Article 16 bis: Preliminary investigations-related acts within the responsibilities of Rwanda National Police

Preliminary investigative acts performed by Rwanda National Police that are provided for by the Law governing Rwanda National Police are handed over to the National Public Prosecution Authority.

Other preliminary investigations-related acts performed by Rwanda National Police and handed over to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau are of value as investigative acts." (Rwanda 2023a, emphasis in original)

Articles 41 and 42 in Law n° 026/2023 of 17/05/2023 Governing Rwanda National Police provide the following regarding the RNP's authority in relation to other security bodies:

Article 41: Arresting a person who is suspected of an offence, a wanted or fugitive person

1. Rwanda National Police arrests, on its own motion or at the request by a competent authority, a person who is suspected of an offence, a fugitive or a wanted person by security or judicial organs, and hands over him or her to the investigation bureau.
2. Rwanda National Police produces a report of arrest referred to in paragraph (1) of this Article and submits it to the investigator within a period not exceeding 24 hours.

Article 42: Arresting a person of breaching security

The Rwanda National Police arrests a person who poses a threat to security and hands over him or her to the competent authority in accordance with relevant legislation. (Rwanda 2023b, emphasis in original)

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Notes

[1] The IECMS is Rwanda's electronic case management system "integrating" 5 justice sector institutions, namely the judiciary, Ministry of Justice, the NPPA, Criminal Investigation Department (Police) and the Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) (Rwanda n.d.a).

[2] The BBC's media guide for Rwanda notes that while the online media company IGIHE is privately owned, it "avoids offending the authorities" (2024-07-16).

References

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 2024-07-16. "Rwanda Media Guide." [Accessed 2025-05-05]

Human Rights First Rwanda Association (HRFRA). 2025-05-08. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.

Human Rights First Rwanda Association (HRFRA). N.d. "Contact." [Accessed 2025-05-05]

IGIHE. 2021-04-08. "RIB Summons Mukangemanyi Adeline Rwigara." [Accessed 2025-04-30]

The Legal Aid Forum (LAF). 2025-05-09. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.

The Legal Aid Forum (LAF). N.d. "About Us." [Accessed 2025-05-05]

Rwanda. 2023a. Law No. 058/2023 of 04/12/2023 Amending Law No. 027/2019 of 19/09/2019 Relating to the Criminal Procedure. [Accessed 2025-04-29]

Rwanda. 2023b. Law n° 026/2023 of 17/05/2023 Governing Rwanda National Police. [Accessed 2025-04-29]

Rwanda. 2019 (amended 2023). Law No. 027/2019 of 19/09/2019 Relating to the Criminal Procedure. [Accessed 2025-04-25]

Rwanda. 2017. Law No. 12/2017 of 07/04/2017 Establishing the Rwanda Investigation Bureau and Determining its Mission, Powers, Organisation and Functioning. [Accessed 2025-04-29]

Rwanda. N.d.a. Judiciary. Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS). [Accessed 2025-09-14]

Rwanda. N.d.b. Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB). "History." [Accessed 2025-04-28]

Rwanda. N.d.c. Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB). "What We Investigate." [Accessed 2025-04-28]

United States (US). 2024-04-23. Department of State. "Rwanda." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2023. [Accessed 2025-04-29]

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral sources: Center for Rule of Law Rwanda; Law firms in Kigali (3); Lawyers of Hope; Rwanda – High Commission in Ottawa, Rwanda Investigation Bureau, Rwanda National Police; Rwanda Bar Association.

Internet sites, including: Al Jazeera; Associated Press; Austrian Red Cross – ecoi.net; The Conversation; Human Rights Watch; International Criminal Court; KT Press; The New Times; Reuters; Rwanda – Ministry of Justice; Rwanda Dispatch; UN – Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Refworld, Security Council.