The event, conducted via online Zoom meeting, saw the participation of approximately 15 Rwandan legal professionals, including current and former judges, lawyers, and former Supreme Court justices and former dean of the University of Rwanda Law School, HPDO, PEI civic group leaders, and a party member of the House of Representatives. They engaged in discussions on methods to promote peace activities in Rwanda.

Rwanda experienced setbacks that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed lives of over 1 million victims.

After the Genocide against, ongoing efforts have been made for reconciliation between Rwandans and the development of the nation.

In this webinar, titled ’Seminar for Enhancing Global Citizenship Awareness,’ with the subtitle ’For the Continuous Development of Rwanda,’ HWPL emphasized the significance of global citizenship education targeting Rwandan people in the global era for the sustainable development of the nation.

The discussion also highlighted the necessity of institutionalizing peace to address new societal conflicts arising from increased possibilities of tension due to diverse racial, cultural, and religious exchanges.

Dennis Bikesha, former Dean of the Law School at the University of Rwanda, presented Rwanda’s case of peace institutionalization, citing the positive impact on regional community development and stability in Gacaca and Umuganda.

HWPL underscored the need for more examples of institutions positively influencing societal development and introduced its efforts in peace institutionalization. Additionally, the webinar delved into detailed explanations of Article 10, Paragraph 38 of the DPCW, focusing on religious freedom (Article 8), the rights of religious and ethnic identity (Article 9), and the pursuit of peace.

Through this webinar, participants gained awareness of the necessity of peace institutionalization and explored the potential of recognizing ethnic diversity through the peace international law, DPCW, contributing to broadening perspectives and supporting the development of their own countries.

In 2024, HWPL plans to continue its ongoing collaboration with local community stakeholders not only in Rwanda but also throughout Africa to achieve peace in the region.