Parliament of Rwanda
Last Updated on Monday, 16 January 2012 11:50 Written by Communications Intern Monday, 14 June 2010 14:14
Background
From the start of its independence in 1961, Rwanda experienced political problems heightened by interethnic rivalry. These tensions resulted in the genocide in 1994.
Since 1996, AWEPA has focused on the process of reconciliation and reconstruction of Rwanda, while promoting the role of parliamentarians in this area.
In 2010, emphasis was placed upon strengthening the capacity of parliamentarians in the following areas: improving legislation; identifying the role of parliamentarians in conflict resolution; and, developing a decentralisation policy and controlling government actions. Activities to build the capacity of parliamentary staff as well as providing support to parliamentary Forums were given equal priority.
Objectives
Broadly speaking, the objectives of AWEPA, in terms of its partnership with the Parliament of Rwanda, form part of Rwanda’s strategic plan to strengthen the parliamentary body. The AWEPA programme is however active in a second initiative which consists of promoting parliamentary diplomacy. The AWEPA-Rwanda programme has, for example, contributed towards bringing the Parliaments of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo closer together.
Results
• Legislation governing private security companies was drawn up following AWEPA’s initiative.
• Knowledge acquired by staff in terms of electronic record keeping contributed towards the improved organisation of parliamentary archives.
Activities
In 2010 AWEPA organised fifteen activities in Rwanda principally on capacity building of both the Houses of the Rwanda Parliament. In addition to traditional seminars, other AWEPA activities consisted of field visits for members of various Parliamentary Committees to different Provinces of Rwanda. AWEPA accompanied the Committee on Security of the Chamber of Deputies through the finalisation of the law regarding private security companies in Rwanda.
Under the capacity building of parliamentarians AWEPA has organised a major seminar on the fight against hunger through the implementation of the strategy for economic development and poverty reduction in Rwanda. •
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