Rwanda ushers in new era of justice with the inauguration of the ADR Center

In August 2024, Rwanda marked a historic milestone with the inauguration of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Center in Kigali. The event was a collaborative effort between Rwanda's Justice Sector, UNDP, and the Legal Aid Forum, and it signals a new chapter in the country's commitment to accessible and efficient justice.

Presided over by the Hon. Chief Justice Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo, the ceremony was attended by key government officials, including the Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo, development partners, and various stakeholders from the justice sector.

The newly renovated ADR Center provides essential community-focused services such as mediation, conciliation, negotiation, and plea-bargaining, creating an environment where disputes can be resolved outside of the formal court system. This marks a significant step toward reducing court congestion and promoting peaceful conflict resolution.

In his remarks, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo, emphasized the strategic importance of ADR in fostering peace: 

“ADR is a quicker, more cost-effective method of resolving disputes that preserves relationships and strengthens communities. It aligns perfectly with our broader goals of sustainable peace and development.”

Minister for Justice, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, reiterated the significance of the center in fostering harmony within communities, stating that ADR offers a transformative approach to justice that fosters trust and cooperation among people. He emphasized the center’s potential to bridge gaps in access to justice, particularly for the underserved.

The Chief Justice Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo referred to the new facility as a "Multi-Door Center," a beacon of hope in delivering swift and high-quality justice. He proudly shared that over 2,300 civil cases were settled through mediation in courts of law last year, with an impressive 13,000 criminal cases resolved through plea-bargaining. These outcomes represent not just numbers but lives positively impacted by a justice system that is increasingly responsive and efficient. He added that in only 38 cases that were settled in court mediation, they had all together a value of over 7 billion Rwandan Francs, and these cases were settled in a span of not more than 3 weeks at most, which in the ordinary process would have taken close to 5 years clogged in court dockets.

People that have benefitted from ADR services have attested to the power of the initiative.

“The mediation process allowed me to resolve a debt dispute with my neighbour without the emotional toll and financial burden of court proceedings. It’s a solution that brings peace,” shared Claudine, a Kigali resident.

Another beneficiary, Jean-Paul, noted: “I never imagined resolving my business dispute would be so smooth and quick. ADR not only gave me justice but also saved my relationships with my partners.”

Rwanda's ADR approach is rooted in traditional wisdom. For generations, communities have settled disputes through dialogue, mutual respect, and solutions that prioritize unity. The ADR Center builds on this cultural heritage while integrating modern practices and cutting-edge technology, such as online dispute resolution, to meet contemporary justice needs.

The UNDP Rwanda Resident Representative, Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, highlighted the transformative potential of the center: 

“UNDP Rwanda is proud to support the renovation of the ADR Center as part of our broader mission to enhance access to justice for all Rwandans. This center will not only serve as a national hub but also as a model for the region, contributing to the efficiency and fairness of Rwanda's justice system.”

The ADR Center is more than just a building; it represents Rwanda’s journey toward a more inclusive and efficient justice system. We encourage communities, legal professionals, and stakeholders to utilize this space to foster peace, resolve disputes amicably, and contribute to the nation's broader development goals. Let us embrace this new era of justice together.

Together, we can champion a justice system that not only resolves conflicts but builds stronger, more cohesive communities.