They highlighted Rwanda's commitment to providing opportunities that improve the lives of refugees while fostering a sense of inclusion.
During a plenary session held on February 5, 2025, the Rwandan Senate reviewed a report presented by the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Security on the implementation of the 1951 Geneva Convention on Refugees.
The report detailed how Rwanda assists refugees in various sectors, including education, healthcare, employment, environment, and sanitation. Senator Hadidja Murangwa Ndangiza, the committee chairperson, emphasized that Rwanda offers a welcoming environment and equal opportunities for all.
She noted that 848 schools across the country enroll refugee children, and six vocational training institutions provide them with technical skills. Additionally, some universities, including Kepler, offer scholarships to high-achieving refugee students, ensuring they have access to quality education.
Beyond education, the government has allocated 136.8 hectares of land for agricultural activities benefiting both refugees and local communities. Initiatives like the "Jya Mbere" project have also helped refugees improve their lives by providing business support and investment opportunities.
In healthcare, many refugees now benefit from Rwanda's community-based health insurance scheme (Mutuelle de Santé) and other services aimed at improving their well-being.
Despite these achievements, some challenges persist. High unemployment rates among refugees, outdated infrastructure, and difficulties accessing financial loans due to a lack of collateral remain significant obstacles.
Senator Murangwa urged refugees to take ownership of their challenges and seek solutions within their communities. 'They should understand that they must be part of the solutions to their problems, just like Rwandans, and embrace Rwanda's culture of self-reliance,' she said.
She reiterated Rwanda's boundless commitment to integrating refugees into national development programs, working with various institutions to address existing challenges.
'Although there are still obstacles in fully implementing Rwanda's commitments, the country remains determined to enhance refugee inclusion in national development,' she added.
Similarly, Senator Cyprien Niyomugabo commended the country's efforts in ensuring that refugees do not only receive support but also learn values that encourage self-reliance. "All the good initiatives supporting refugees do not happen by chance; they stem from Rwanda's core values, including patriotism,' he reaffirmed.
He also praised the education system for integrating refugee children with Rwandan students, fostering a culture of hospitality and respect for human rights and dignity.
In the same spirit, Senator Evode Uwizeyimana acknowledged Rwanda's exceptional approach to refugee support but expressed concern that some refugees remain focused on seeking relocation abroad rather than working toward self-sufficiency.
'Some refugees dream of being relocated to places like Arizona or Canada, which affects their mindset and ability to work towards self-sufficiency,' he noted.
Senator Prof. Penina Uwimbabazi emphasized that Rwanda's treatment of refugees reflects its commitment to valuing all people, ensuring they feel included and supported.
Currently, Rwanda hosts over 134,000 refugees, with 61% (82,262) from the Democratic Republic of Congo and 38% (51,134) from Burundi. These refugees are accommodated in various camps, including Mahama, Kigeme, Nyabiheke, and Mugombwa.
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