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22 April 2024
NAVIGATING THROUGH STIGMA AND IGNORANCE - COLLECTIVE EFFORTS TOWARDS DISABILITY INCLUSION
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22 April 2024
A beacon of Light for Agnes: Investing in Rural Women for income generation
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22 April 2024
HOW IDRIS YUSUF MANAGED TO BEAT THE CURSE OF UNEMPLOYMENT WITH SOKO KUU PLATFORM.
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Rwanda
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Rwanda:
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07 February 2024
Boukuru’s performance at Flytime Fest in Nigeria: A great steppingstone to her carrier
Christine Uwase Boukuru a young Rwanda vocalist found herself in Nigeria, ready to perform for the very first time in her career on the global scene. It was a dream come true for her, as she had always admired the vibrant music scene not only in Africa but on an international level.
As she stepped onto the stage, she couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. Little did she know that she would be sharing the stage with big icons like the famous David Adedeji Adeleke OON, who is professionally known as Davido among others.
Boukuru’s performance in Nigeria was an immediate result emanating from the partnership between the government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Youth and Arts, Imbuto Foundation, and the United Nations in Rwanda to promote the creative industry.
“This was a dream come true and life-uplifting to me. I made a lot of connections and recorded three songs with Nigerian artists that will be released soon” the excited Boukuru narrated.
As the lights dimmed and the music began, she took a deep breath and let her voice soar. Her soulful melodies filled the air, captivating the audience from the very first note. The crowd was mesmerized by her unique blend of African rhythms and heartfelt lyrics, swaying to the beat and singing along.
The young artist's performance was met with thunderous applause and cheers. The audience recognized her raw talent and the authenticity she brought to her music. It was a proud moment for her, representing not only Rwanda but also the power of music to transcend borders and unite people from different cultures.
“Upcoming artists will always need opportunities like. We need to collaborate with other famous artists to grow our talents thank you the government of Rwanda and UN Rwanda for this opportunity I got”,
The experience had not only elevated her artistry but also broadened her horizons. She was now more inspired than ever to explore new sounds, collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds, and use her music as a tool for positive change.
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07 February 2024
UN Day X Spaces: Delivering Equality, Justice and Freedom for Migrants
In marking the 79th Anniversary of the United Nations, International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Rwanda, the UN held a public Dialogue to shed light on the crucial role of delivering equality, justice, and freedom for individuals on the move. The Dialogue which took place on X space, stressed the importance of affording migrants equal access to services and opportunities, recognising their fundamental rights.
A notable example highlighted during the discussion was IOM's efforts in skills development through collaboration with the Rwandan diaspora living abroad. Individuals from the diaspora engage in short assignments in Rwanda, sharing their expertise to contribute to the skills development and knowledge transfer of the local population.
One example is Jean Claude. He moved to Belgium in 2006 to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics. Upon completing the course, he quickly started a thriving career as a railway technology specialist. When 17 years into his Belgian chapter, Jean Claude heard about an opportunity to travel back to Rwanda to share his skills, he did not hesitate to sign up for the programme.
"Wherever Rwandans go, they are exposed to new technologies and knowledge. There is nobody better to bring it back to Rwanda than us."
The discourse on X space, underscored the significance of access to justice as a fundamental right for migrants, emphasizing its essential role as a prerequisite for the realisation of all other rights. This is particularly crucial in ensuring the labor rights of migrants from other countries are respected.
Moreover, the conversation acknowledged migration as an inherent expression of freedom. Rwanda's approach to managing migration was commended, citing policies and measures such as the registration of third national countries, open-visa policies, open-for-business policies, and free movement for East African Community (EAC) nationals. Notably, Rwanda was the first country to ratify the AU Free Movement Protocol of the AfCFTA, being one of only four countries to do so.
"Everybody deserves access to services, including migrants. While skills are widely distributed, opportunities are not," asserted Ash Carl, Chief of Mission for IOM Rwanda. "We work with Rwandans residing overseas to explore how they can transfer those skills back to their home country."
Migration is a cross-cutting issue in the 2030 Agenda, relevant to all of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Further, the SDG’s motto to “leave no one behind” is a clear call for sustainable development to be inclusive, including for migrants. At least ten out of 17 goals contain targets and indicators that are directly relevant to migration or mobility. Ensuring equality, justice, and freedom for migrants is not only a moral imperative but also a fundamental commitment to building inclusive societies, fostering global harmony, and unlocking the full potential of diverse contributions to collective progress.
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07 February 2024
Fostering Creativity: Rwanda and Nigerian Creative Industry experts to forge strategic partnerships.
In alignment with Rwanda's dedicated commitment to nurturing its creative industry and empowering its youth, as underscored during the UN Deputy Secretary-General's visit to Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi on the sidelines of the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, a collaborative effort has been initiated. UN Rwanda, Imbuto Foundation, the Ministry of Youth and Arts, and the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) are jointly shaping the 'Unleashing the Potential of Youth through Creative Industry in Rwanda' Joint Programme.
This comprehensive initiative aims to equip Rwandan youth with essential skills and knowledge to establish sustainable creative enterprises, promoting innovation, professionalism, and inclusivity within the creative economy.
Additionally, it seeks to foster collaboration and network-building between the creative industries of Rwanda and Nigeria. As a part of this initiative, Rwanda hosted a delegation of six experts from Nigeria to assess progress, opportunities, and challenges within the Culture and Creative Sector.
Rwandan and Nigerian creative industry experts are set to chart a new path to create a platform for collaboration and partnership in a new move to promote and strengthen the foundations of their respective creative landscapes.
The first step happened after the productive visit by Nigerian icons to Rwanda where they held several engagements with Rwandan government officials, United Nations Rwanda, and the local industry practitioners and experts.
This partnership will mark a significant step toward nurturing cross-cultural exchanges, promoting talent, and unleashing the untapped potential of the African creative sector that is envisaged to create more job opportunities, especially among the African youth.
Adebola Williams Chairperson of AWNetwork and founder of MITTA Centre who led the delegation of the Nigerian’s icons expressed the willingness and eagerness to strategize on the new channels to enhance partnership.
“This sector has a huge potential and we want to come up with a roadmap that will help either catalyze or accelerate the creative economy to create jobs for young people, to protect their Intellectual Property, to upskill their capacity, share knowledge, and build structures that help them be their most effective experts”, Adebola said.
According to Ozonnia Ojielo the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, the impact of the partnership between the Rwandan and Nigerian creative industry sectors extends far beyond the realms of art and culture underlining that it has the potential to be a catalyst for economic development, cultural exchange, and the empowerment of a new generation of African creatives, ultimately reshaping perceptions and elevating the global standing of African creativity.
He further mentioned that nurturing emerging talent will empower young creatives in both nations. “I’m optimistic that expertise from experienced professionals will lead to the development of a highly skilled and innovative new generation within the creative industries and as United Nations in Rwanda, we will continue providing our support and ensure this vision is realized”,
In an exclusive interview with the Hon. Sandrine Umutoni State Minister for Youth, she noted that through strategic partnerships with different stakeholders and partners, the ministry has come up with initiatives that have positively impacted the young generation.
“We have been discussing with partners to come up with a good strategy on how to empower our young people both educated and not educated, especially through the creative industry. The creative economy has the potential to not only increase the GDP of the country or at a global level but also bring together young people around the massages of unity, and resilience”.
She cited ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi a televised nationwide talent search project implemented by the Imbuto Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth since 2018. The project identifies and supports young and talented Rwandans within the creative arts industry in nine different categories (Film making, Photography, Digital Art, Acting and drama, Dance, Fashion Design, Music, Literature, Visual and Plastic Arts).
During the discussion, H.E Robert Masozera, Director General of Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy welcomed the anticipated partnership adding that this will open new doors for Rwandan creative experts to the international heights.
“We want to expand Rwanda’s creative economy. We are excited about learning from these Nigerian experienced icons”, He noted.
The Ambassador further observed that Nigeria's creative sector is more developed adding that this was a great opportunity for the local industry to share experiences and learn from their Nigerian counterparts as this will move the Rwandan creative industry to another level.
The Nigerian icons and members of MITTA Centre Creative Experts Council who were in Rwanda include Bada Akintunde Johnson the Country Manager of Paramount Africa, Moses Babatope G.E.D. Film House Cinemas, Osas Ighodaro Actress and Producer, Richard Mofe Damijo Actor and Executive Producer, Cecil Hammond CEO of Flytime Group, and Adebola Williams Chairperson of AWNetwork who was leading the delegation.
As a direct outcome of the visit, the MITTA Centre extended an exclusive invitation to Ms. Christiane Bukuru Uwase, a talented Rwandan musician who engaged with the Nigerian Icons during their visit. She showcased her exceptional talents at the prestigious FLYTIME FEST 2023, which took place in Lagos from December 21st to December 26th, 2023.
This performance marked a historic moment as Ms. Bukuru became the first-ever Rwandan artist to grace the stage at Flytime Fest, representing a remarkable opportunity seized!
The creative economy contributes to the achievement of the broader objectives of the 2030 Agenda, with emphasis on the quality of life and well-being as a key outcome of a targeted economic process and It aligns with a variety of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially the quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth and Industry, Innovation, and infrastructure.
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07 February 2024
Government and One UN Rwanda assess the impact of collaborative efforts toward achieving the country’s development agenda
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana and the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Rwanda Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo chaired the 2023 One UN Steering Committee to assess the impact of the joint efforts aimed at achieving the Rwanda development agenda.
The One UN Steering Committee Meeting is an essential time to review and reflect on the progress that the UN system has made in the implementation of the United Nations Development Assistance Plan Two (UNDAP II) which is fully aligned with the National Strategy for Transformation One (NST1).
The high-level gathering attracted government cabinet ministers from different sectors, Heads of UN Agencies in Rwanda, development partners, Civil society representatives, and Mr. Achim Steiner the UNDP Administrator who was on an official visit to Rwanda.
While officially opening the meeting, Minister Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana underscored the significance of the meeting mentioning that it is a re-affirmation of the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to Delivering as One Initiative or the “One UN” as commonly referred to, since 2007 when Rwanda became among the eight pilot countries with the main objective of strengthening the effectiveness and coherence of the UN at the country level.
“The UN has been fully aligning its interventions with our medium to longer-term development strategies through the UNDAP with the Leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator. Today we have the opportunity to review, assess, and commit ourselves to act together with the main purpose of ensuring that the One UN becomes a reality in Rwanda which I am sure can be replicated elsewhere in the World”. He said.
Minister further mentioned that as the government focuses on achieving the targets in the remaining period of NST1 and preparation for the successor program “we will count on the UN’s collaboration in this Journey and I believe that our Meeting today is relevant for this reason”.
Through various agencies and the Resident Coordinator's office, the United Nations plays a crucial role in supporting Rwanda's socioeconomic development through a variety of programs and initiatives, especially in different areas like poverty reduction and economic development, health, education, youth, gender equality and women empowerment, environmental sustainability, and good governance among others.
The UNDP Administrator Mr. Achim Steiner who attended the conversation hailed Rwanda's resilience in advancing the country’s social-economic development and good governance pledging for more collaboration and support to the Country's development agenda.
“We feel very privileged as UNDP to have been a long-time companion to Rwanda in its various development phases and journeys that it has embarked on. UNDP has a very broad set of engagements across governance, the justice sector, and digital, but also green transitions and innovations. Very often, we are not just an institution that implements one programme. He said.
Participants discussed several key topics, including the upcoming new National Strategy for Transformation2, financing needs, boosting public and private, domestic and external financing, and the Future Drivers of Growth especially how development cooperation can support these growth drivers to accelerate their ability to contribute to Rwanda’s transformative agenda.
Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda commended the government’s visionary leadership adding that it was indeed imperative for all partners to continue working together for the country to achieve its sustainable goals and development agenda.
“How do we move away from project focus to program focus? how do we give space to the development partners, civil society, and the government to collaborate and work together in the implementation of these decisions”.
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07 February 2024
Peace and Security at the table as regional countries convene under UNSAC
Creating and sustaining peace and security in the Great Lakes region of Africa involves a comprehensive and collaborative approach, addressing both immediate and underlying causes of conflicts. This was at the center of the discussion during the 56th Ministerial Meeting of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa (UNSAC) hosted by Rwanda
The five-day gathering convened foreign ministers and experts from 11 member countries of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) to assess various topics focusing on security and stability issues in the region.
The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG CAAC), Ms. Virginia Gamba, called on member countries to prioritize the issue of shielding children in conflicted areas as a vital aspect of human rights protection.
She further observed that while the UN plays a significant role, it's important to note that addressing the complex issue of child protection in conflict zones requires the cooperation of governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the international community as a whole.
“We need to have a regional plan on how to prevent violations, improve communications between borders, improve border controls, and improve how to handle children who are released from the conflicts so they can be reintegrated safely back into communities”, she said during the exclusive interview with the UNRCO communications team.
The UN Leader commended the meeting mentioning that though it was generally focusing on human rights protection, it was also a great opportunity to advocate for children suffering in the conflicted zones in the region particularly girls who are raped by terrorists and armed groups.
During this meeting, Rwanda was elected to chair the Bureau of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa for the next 6 months.
In his remarks, Rwanda’s foreign affairs Minister H.E Vincent Biruta called for joint efforts to address regional security issues. He stated that Central Africa is facing numerous security threats, ranging from the problem of small arms to questions linked to migration crises, climate change, terrorism, extremism, and unconstitutional changes, among others.
Minister Biruta further emphasized the need to identify and adopt coherent strategies to counter all potential threats to the stability of the sub-region while reiterating Rwanda’s commitment to achieving the goal.
“I hope this meeting will give new impetus to the search for solutions to the security challenges facing our sub-region. I would also like to reiterate Rwanda's willingness to work with each of you to achieve this goal,” he highlighted.
UNSAC was established on 28 May 1992 by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, under Resolution 46/37 B adopted on 6 December 1991 by the UN General Assembly. The decision was to have a positive response to the request made on 28 November 1986 by the member countries of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) emphasizing the need to create this Committee
🎥🔴 Link to the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKXtLf8NZrg&ab_channel=OneUNRwanda
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22 April 2024
HOW THE GENDER ACTION LEARNING SYSTEM IS IMPACTING LIVES.
Soon after sunrise in Rwanda’s Ngoma and Nyaruguru Districts, Vestine and Jean-Claude walk from their home to their garden, holding hoes in their hands. The married couple work efficiently – and happily – side-by-side, tending to their beans and maize crops. It's a renewed partnership and a product of the UN Joint Programme on Rural Women's Economic Empowerment (JP RWEE) programme approach.When asked about the past, Vestine recalls a disrupted domestic life "characterized by conflict, poverty and lack of confidence in my personal decisions," which caused the couple to separate temporarily.The Gender Action Learning System (GALS), a key methodology used by the JP RWEE, enables women and men to critically reflect on their relationships and household gender dynamics and jointly plan livelihood strategies. As part of the wider JP RWEE programme activities, Vestine enrolled in trainings on agricultural productivity held in the Terimberesake cooperative where the JP RWEE also provided solar-powered irrigation equipment. She reported learning a range of new skills during the training sessions. In Rwanda, a climate mitigation component was integrated into the Gender Action Learning System. This was a new approach to the traditional methodology, recognizing the link between advancing women’s economic empowerment and building resilience to climate change. This involved identifying climate challenges and solutions specific to women and men and collaborating to implement these solutions collectively."I applied skills acquired through GALS, which not only increased my self-confidence and self-efficacy but also my skills in climate change adaptation and mitigation practices and now I started applying good agricultural practices learned from the programme," she explained.Jean-Claude also enrolled in the programme and learned how to set up and operate a small-scale mobile phone business while trading goats to expand his income and reinvest in the business.Now, Jean-Claude and Vestine harvest their maize and beans together. Their yields have more than doubled since enrolling in the programme. The couple generated enough income from selling their crops that they could afford to renovate their home.855 people (584 women and 271 men) participated in phase one of the Gender Action Learning System in Rwanda. The successful model has now been rolled out across three other districts including Gisagara, Kirehe and Nyamashekereaching over 8,700 individuals 91.54% increase, of which more than 70 percent are women.The Terimberesake cooperative, consisting of 75 women and 7 men, continues to focus on horticulture, improved household relationships, and equitable divisions of labour within their work on climate adaptation and mitigation activities. Cecil Mukamanzi, the President of Terimberesake, expressed, "The Gender Action Learning System has empowered women to become agents of change. We are also pleased to witness positive transformations in men's behaviour, fostering social norm changes such as reduction in gender-based violence and active participation in the development of their own families at the household level."In the second phase of the JP RWEE, agencies will intensify efforts to reinforce and expand the Gender Action Learning System model.
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22 April 2024
A beacon of Light for Agnes: Investing in Rural Women for income generation
As the sun curved in over the hilly landscape marred by frequent landslides – a clear sign of the impact of climate change – in southern Rwanda, a team of the UN Joint Programme for Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment (JP RWEE) met Agnes Nibakure, a 43-year-old woman participating in the programme supported by Norway, Sweden and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.“The family journey had been marked by some conflicts, rooted in a lack of self-confidence to manage the little resources we have including the livestock and food at home,” she said.Hailing from Rango village, in Nyaruguru district, Agnes married and started a family at a tender age of 16, with limited knowledge of women’s empowerment. She is now a member of Amahoro (peace in the local language) cooperative, comprising 20 resilient women and 10 supportive men who are experiencing life-changing transformations thanks to the JP RWEE.After receiving JP RWEE training on equality and women’s empowerment Agnes expressed, “My life was transformed as I and my colleagues were enlightened, we are no longer victims of domestic violence”, she reported. Agnes found new strength within herself, after she and her husband, Emmanuel Bacumi, had lost their entire house and livelihood in one fell swoop of a landslide in 2022 igniting even more severe conflicts between them.The turning point came when Agnes joined the savings group formed as part of the JP RWEE initiative. With a small loan of Rwf 10,000, about (USD 8) from the savings group. Agnes kick started a small-scale business involving potatoes, selling baskets, and plastic containers in the village market. In just three months, Agnes not only repaid the loan but also doubled a profit of Rwf 10,000With her entrepreneurial spirit ignited by JP RWEE, Agnes had bigger dreams. After losing land and a house in the valley, Agnes rented a small piece of land and cultivated beans, yielding 30 kilograms for home consumption. Earning a steady income from her various ventures. She proceeded to register her business, create a brand, and ultimately became a recognized entrepreneur in Rwanda.She hopes to purchase land for agriculture and renovate their family home. Her vision extended to buying a bicycle to reduce transportation costs and streamline the business operations.Meanwhile, her husband Emmanuel works in a tea plantation, earning a monthly income of Rwf 35,000 (about USD 26.8 ). They now live together peacefully, and he became a supportive partner due to the JP RWEE’s training on Gender Action Learning System (GALS) International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) He supports Agnes with domestic chores and takes charge of household duties when Agnes is away on business trips.As JP RWEE implemented by Food and Agriculture (FAO), IFAD, UN Women and World Food Programme (WFP) entered its second phase, strengthening rural women's access to finance and ensuring the enduring impact of their newfound knowledge and skills is a key driver of investing in rural women for enhanced income generation. The goal remains to secure rural women's livelihoods, rights, and resilience, in alignment with Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Story
22 April 2024
Traditional cuisine is beyond the meal: It's about connecting with Heritage-Chef Ninsiima
Preparing and savoring a delicious meal is always fascinating, but there's something truly unforgettable about crafting and enjoying a natural, traditional cuisine. For Chef Phiona Ninsiima, it’s not just about the flavors; it's about connecting with heritage, honoring traditions, and experiencing the rich cultural tapestry woven into each dish. From gathering fresh ingredients to following age-old recipes passed down through generations, every step is a journey through history and a celebration of authenticity. In fact, according to her, It’s more than just a meal—it's a profound experience that leaves an indelible mark on the senses and the soul."Chef Phiona and others are so enthusiastic about the new recipe book that will impart more knowledge about preparing traditional cuisine thanks to the UN Rwanda joint initiative under the FAO and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that have partnered with the Rwanda Arts Initiative to develop a recipe book aimed at promoting Rwandan traditional cuisine.“For any culture to be full, food needs to be at the core of it. That’s one of the reasons the new recipe book will show our identity, not to mention that our own local dishes are very nutritious,” – Chef Phiona NinsiimaThe objective of this initiative is to preserve Rwanda's culinary heritage while advocating for the utilization of local ingredients, which have historically been overlooked or underutilized despite their nutritional value.Implemented under the nutrition programme, the recipe book will showcase traditional crops and recipes that represent Rwandan culture and will include a three-course meal using native ingredients such as sorghum, millet, tarot, sweet potatoes and others. According to Ms Coumba D. Sow the FAO Country Representative, Rwanda is fortunate to have an abundance of high-quality produce from agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and non-wood forest products, including mushrooms adding that this presents a fantastic opportunity for food lovers to explore and experiment with various cooking techniques and recipes. “UN Rwanda was pleased to partner with the Ministry of Youth and Arts and the Rwanda Arts Initiative during the Kigali Triennial to host a workshop with four renowned Chefs and a gala dinner that aimed to improve the quality of nutrition and promote locally produced food as well as showcase Rwanda's unique gastronomy." She said. The book will be available to all Rwandans and will educate the public about traditional dishes that have never been the subject of specific research before.For Sophie Kabano, the Producer of the Kigali Triennial is optimistic about the new collaboration saying that "We aimed to promote and elevate the arts in all forms. At the suggestion of the FAO, we decided to include culinary arts in our efforts. The UN mission is to improve nutrition and develop quality food, and it has become a significant partner in this endeavor. Together, we want to promote the "gastronomy" involved in the whole value chain, from the land to the plate, especially since much of Rwanda's population lives in rural areas." Said Kabano. Through close collaboration with different chefs, the initiative is expected to promoting local dishes as it has several benefits, including preserving cultural heritage, fostering national pride, promoting healthy eating at community level, supporting small-scale farmers and producers, and enhancing tourism by offering an authentic culinary experience for Rwandans and visitors alike. The recipe book which is expected to be out this year, will offer food enthusiasts an opportunity to explore and experiment with traditional Rwandan flavours.
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Story
22 April 2024
A Journey of Resilience: From Eastern DRC to Winnipeg, Canada - The Story of Jean Claude
Jean Claude was just 10 years old when he and his sister fled their village in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to conflict. Seeking refuge in Rwanda, they eventually found shelter in Nyabiheke Camp in 2008.After settling down, Jean Claude began to fill his days with school, eventually taking classes at Kibogora Polytechnic in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in accounting.In 2019, he received news that both he and his sister were eligible to begin the resettlement process. In Rwanda, the United Nations prioritizes vulnerable resettlement cases. Currently, ten resettlement countries offer quotas for refugees in Rwanda.After undergoing interviews, assessments, submissions of application, the selection process, and medical screenings; in November 2023, Jean Claude and his sister were finally ready to be resettled in Canada.Excited for the new opportunities that awaited them, Jean Claude expressed, “Moving with my sister is beyond my expectations. It has been my dream to make it to another country like Canada, where I can learn new things and develop myself. When I get to Canada, my dream is to complete my studies in accounting and find a good job.”Despite the excitement, there was also trepidation as he bid farewell to friends and loved ones who would remain in Rwanda. “To my friends and people I’m leaving behind, I want to tell them to stay positive and not lose hope. I want Canadians to know there are still many refugees here, and they also need resettlement opportunities.”Though Jean Claude and his sister have safely arrived in their new home in Winnipeg, they will never forget their time in Rwanda. “I’m thankful for our time in Rwanda; we were lucky to meet people who share the same language so we could communicate easily. It helped us feel at home there, and I hope it will be the same for us in Canada.”Jean Claude and his sister are among the refugees resettled through programmes jointly implemented by the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
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22 April 2024
NAVIGATING THROUGH STIGMA AND IGNORANCE - COLLECTIVE EFFORTS TOWARDS DISABILITY INCLUSION
Oswald's journey began shortly after birth when polio left his legs paralyzed. This presented many challenges, including mobility issues and societal exclusion. However, the biggest struggle was the lack of resources; his family couldn't afford a wheelchair. They improvised by creating makeshift solutions, digging holes in their home and garden to help him sit with stability. Despite these challenges, Oswald's determination, resilience, and the unwavering support of his family propelled him forward as he pursued his education against all odds. He bravely confronted the isolation, stigma, and ignorance surrounding disabilities, mostly in environments that weren't designed for inclusivity.His time at one university in a developed country was particularly challenging. The physical infrastructure was not designed with accessibility in mind, with buildings lacking ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Students with mobility impairments like Oswald struggled to navigate campus, attend classes on upper floors, or even enter certain buildings. The university also lacked inclusive policies and support services for students with disabilities. This led Oswald to embark on a mission to foster change. He founded an association, leveraging his roles within the student union to champion the introduction of accessible facilities at the university.In Rwanda, the 2022 population and housing census revealed that there are over 390,000 persons with disabilities, comprising 3.4% of the total population. Despite strides in inclusivity, challenges persist in inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, including the scarcity of essential assistive technologies like wheelchairs and braille machines.Oswald’s advocacy was hinged on responding to such challenges. He did not stop at university reform. When he returned to Rwanda, he founded an inclusive school in Kamonyi District, that started with just eight pupils in 2018 and has since grown to serve over 300 learners. '‘Having disabilities should not be a barrier.’' Oswald says.Today, Oswald extends his advocacy to a global stage, working passionately with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to champion the rights of Persons with Disabilities.He shared his story at a transformative three-day retreat held in Musanze, Rwanda, which brought together government representatives, UN staff, civil society organizations, and development partners. The aim was to address the challenges that Persons with Disabilities face and to fortify the collective push for disability inclusion. From lacking assistive technologies like braille machines and hearing devices to broader issues of accessibility and inclusion, which deny Persons with Disabilities the chance to fully participate in education, healthcare, and societal dialogue. To build on what different partners are already doing, participants committed to:Promote awareness and understanding of disability rights and issues to combat stigma, discrimination, and negative attitudes towards disabilities. This can be achieved through public education campaigns, awareness-raising events, and initiatives that highlight the contributions and capabilities of Persons with Disabilities.Advocate for the development and enforcement of policies, laws, and regulations that protect the rights of Persons with Disabilities and promote their full participation and inclusion in society. This may involve effective implementation of the policies in place and allocation of resources for disability-related programs and services.In addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the persons with disabilities requires collaboration and partnership among government agencies, civil society organizations and private sector, disability advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to coordinate efforts, share resources, and leverage expertise.Today Oswald Tuyizere's story is more than just a narrative of overcoming personal plight; it's a clarion call for a world where disability does not dictate destiny. It invites us all to envision and work towards a society that doesn't just accommodate but celebrates diversity, ensuring that No One is Left Behind.
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Press Release
11 October 2023
Veteran Clubs World Championship - Rwanda 2024
A spirit that is reflected by the vibrant Tanzanian Premier League which makes it one of the most successful championships on the continent. The joint winning bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations together with other international events that will happen in the country is a demonstration of their bold ambition.
Following the cities of Berlin, London, Paris, New York, Dubai, and Lagos, Dar es Salaam was, therefore, an obvious stop of the LEGENDS VISIT RWANDA International tour with Jay-Jay Okocha as the special guest.
The presentation conference which took place at the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, was graced by the presence of the Rwandan High Commissioner to Tanzania, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, the Chairman of the Union of Tanzania Soccer Veterans, the Chairman of the Tanzanian football federation, the President of the VCWC business club as well as local business managers and major media houses from the country.
Following a welcome address from the VCWC Chairman, Ambassador Fatou Harerimana in her opening remarks renewed the commitment of the government of Rwanda towards ensuring that the VCWC inaugural edition in 2024 is a brilliant success.
The country has world-class facilities that have recently hosted several international events and the brand new Amahoro stadium will equally be ready next year to host the Legends' tournament.
Mr. RWABUKUMBA, President of the VCWC Business Club in his statement said: "The VCWC Business Club is a unique opportunity to ensure that this outstanding event bringing 150 football Legends to Rwanda, leaves a sustainable legacy at the regional (East Africa) and global level."
A presentation was then made by the technical team regarding the dierent VCWC communities which involve:
1- BUSINESS CLUB: This brings together investors, entrepreneurs, experts, and development partners willing to collaborate with Legends to address socio-economic opportunities.
2- MEDIA CLUB: This includes Journalists, Content producers, content creators, filmmakers and more. All are willing to share the story of the continuous impact of the Legends.
3- YOUTH CLUB: A network of existing youth communities with innovators, entrepreneurs, and advocates who are actively working to make a dierence in their communities.
4- AMATEUR CLUB: These are corporate football teams that will take part in an amateur tournament on the sidelines of the Legends tournament aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle in the workplace and inter-organizational networking.
All the aforementioned opportunities are geared towards transforming the incredible audience that will be generated from such an event into tangible impact at the social, economic, cultural and environmental levels.
In his closing remarks Mr. Milišić said: "It is a wonderful project that will attract a global audience. We must therefore work hand in gloves to build sustainable partnerships with the Legends towards advancing the global goals."
Next Stop: Johannesburg in South Africa on the 13th of October 2023.
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Press Release
15 February 2023
WFP increases food assistance for refugees in Rwanda
WFP’s monthly price monitoring indicates that the average cost of the food basket in December 2022 was 77 percent higher compared to December 2021. “The global rising costs of food, energy, and transportation is putting food out of reach for thousands of families and threatening to push them further into hunger,” says Ahmareen Karim, WFP’s acting Country Director in Rwanda. “This increased support will give refugees more choice to address their essential needs in local markets, while also helping to boost local economies.”
In May 2021, WFP introduced needs-based assistance for refugees in Rwanda – ensuring that limited resources are prioritized for the most vulnerable refugees. Currently, out of 127,000 refugees hosted in Rwanda, WFP provides food and nutrition assistance to 113,650 camp-based refugees, with 87 percent of all refugees classified as highly vulnerable and 6 percent as moderately vulnerable. Infants and young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people living with HIV and tuberculosis receive additional supplemental nutrition assistance to prevent and treat malnutrition. School children from refugee communities and children from host communities who attend the same schools also receive daily nutritious porridge or hot meals.
WFP works closely with the Government of Rwanda, UN partners and civil society organizations to contribute to the food security of vulnerable population groups, such as refugees and asylum seekers, despite the significant food price increases across the country.
UNHCR’s representative Aissatou Masseck Dieng-Ndiaye comments: “The increase of the value of food assistance for refugees comes at a critical time. Inflation, including in food prices, is making it harder for refugees to meet their basic needs. By working closely with WFP to identify the most vulnerable refugee populations, UNHCR hopes that this latest change will prevent refugees resorting to negative coping strategies and help them better support their families.”
WFP is currently supporting the recent influx of newly displaced persons from the Democratic Republic of Congo with life-saving in-kind food assistance in the Nkamira transit camp.
“The Government of Rwanda will continue to work with partners and stakeholders to ensure the well-being and full protection of hosted refugees and asylum seekers. The Government will also continue to ensure that all its pledges and commitment for refugee protection and inclusion are fulfilled in accordance with international conventions and national laws,” says Philippe Habinshuti, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management.
Follow us on Twitter @WFP_Africa, @AhmareenKarim, @UNRwanda, @RwandaEmergency, @RefugeesRwanda
For more information please contact:
● WFP Kigali: Sarah Colbourne,
Tel. +250 587611, Email: sarah.colbourne@wfp.org
● WFP Nairobi: Alessandro Abbonizio,
Tel. +254 723001639, Email: alessandro.abbonizio@wfp.org
● MINEMA: Claude Twishime,
Email: ctwishime@minema.gov.rw
● UNHCR: Lilly Carlisle,
Email: carlisle@unhcr.org
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Press Release
20 January 2023
WFP welcomes funding from the United States to support refugees in Rwanda
“This contribution from the United States comes at a time when we need it most. With the recent arrival of over 100 new refugees every day from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and rising costs of food, energy and transport, refugees are now, more than ever in need of assistance to enable them to progress towards self-reliance,” says Ahmareen Karim, WFP’s Acting Country Director in Rwanda.
WFP uses cash transfers to empower people with choice to address their essential needs in local markets, while also helping to boost local economies.
Despite this generous funding, WFP is still not able to provide full rations to meet the minimum food requirements for refugees in Rwanda. WFP, in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, introduced a needs-based targeting approach in May 2021 – a system under which refugees are given food rations according to their levels of vulnerability.
Due to funding shortfalls, the most vulnerable refugees currently receive 92 percent of a full ration and those deemed moderately vulnerable receive 46 percent of a full ration. This ensures that the most vulnerable refugees are prioritized for food assistance while the least vulnerable refugees are supported to become more self-reliant.
This contribution is in addition to US$9.5 million received from the United States in 2022 in support of WFP’s refugee operations in Rwanda.
# # #
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow us on Twitter @WFP_Africa
WFP uses cash transfers to empower people with choice to address their essential needs in local markets, while also helping to boost local economies.
Despite this generous funding, WFP is still not able to provide full rations to meet the minimum food requirements for refugees in Rwanda. WFP, in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, introduced a needs-based targeting approach in May 2021 – a system under which refugees are given food rations according to their levels of vulnerability.
Due to funding shortfalls, the most vulnerable refugees currently receive 92 percent of a full ration and those deemed moderately vulnerable receive 46 percent of a full ration. This ensures that the most vulnerable refugees are prioritized for food assistance while the least vulnerable refugees are supported to become more self-reliant.
This contribution is in addition to US$9.5 million received from the United States in 2022 in support of WFP’s refugee operations in Rwanda.
# # #
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow us on Twitter @WFP_Africa
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Press Release
08 December 2022
United Nations Rwanda and Veteran Clubs World Championship (VCWC), united for the success of VCWC Rwanda2024.
VCWC Rwanda2024 is an event that will bring together over 150 football legends to Rwanda, to take part in a tournament and series of forums aimed at using the influence of sports as a driver of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.
On the heels of the LEGENDS IN RWANDA international kickoff that will take place in Doha (Qatar) on the 16th of December 2022, VCWC will undertake a series of national and international events in 12 cities around the world with the football legends culminating in the big jamboree in Kigali. This tour will engage with key stakeholders from the Governments, UN, Development Partners,Private Sectors, and civil society Organisations to ensure active and effective participation at the 2024 rendezvous.
INFONLINE/UNRCO
0786976708
Immy.mulekatete@undp.org
https://rwanda.un.org/
INFONLINE/VCWC
(+250) 790336142
info@vcwc2024.com
www.vcwc2024.com
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Press Release
08 December 2022
Government and One UN Rwanda assess implementation and impact of joint work on Rwanda’s development agenda
The meeting was hosted by the chair, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning and co-chair, Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Resident Coordinator to Rwanda. They were joined by colleagues in Government, the UN, diplomatic corps, development partners, CSOs and private sector representatives.
The Joint Steering Committee aims to provide strategic direction and oversight of the UNSDCF for its alignment, with national, regional and international development processes, mechanisms and goals such as Vision 2050, National Strategy for Transformation; and links with other processes, such as the Voluntary National Reviews and the Universal Periodic Review. The platform also serves as an accountability mechanism of the Cooperation Framework in the delivery of a collective system support to the 2030 Agenda.
The UNSDCF is a seven-year plan that outlines how the UN supports Rwanda’s development agenda from 2018 to 2024. It is delivered by the United Nations system, with all agencies working together under the umbrella of ‘One UN’. It is mapped on to the three Strategic Priority Areas that constitute the Government’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST1).
Through 14 joint programmes on cross border trade and social cohesion, social protection, health care, youth, HIV, gender equality and empowerment of rural women, nutrition, COVID-19 response and recovery, climate resilience, data, Integrated National Financing Framework, food security, disability, diversity and inclusion and sustainable cities, thousands of communities are reached, systems are strengthened, capacities are built and people’s lives are transformed.
Minister Ndagijimana acknowledged the many years of joint work between Rwanda and the UN, and emphasized the importance of strong collaboration and partnership, which is crucial to ensuring that the country builds back better from COVID-19 pandemic, and stays on track to the ambitious goals set out by Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation.
“Today we have an opportunity to review, assess and re-commit ourselves to act together to support Rwanda’s development. As we continue to deal with spill-over effects of COVID-19, and other global challenges such as inflation and food security, we are committed more than ever to achieve NST1 targets and we will count on UN’s collaboration in this Journey, “Minister Ndagijimana said.
Mr. Ozonnia commended the GoR for its strong leadership throughout the response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and reiterated the UN’s commitment to working closely on Rwanda’s continued development.
“I congratulate the Government of Rwanda (GoR) for its strong leadership and commitment to supporting Rwanda’s socio-economic recovery and development efforts and for our strong partnership in our development work. The UN in Rwanda takes pride in being a partner of choice for the Government and the people of Rwanda as the country continues to build on its remarkable success story and ensuring the well-being of its people embedded in the spirit of “Leaving no one behind”. Mr. Ozonnia said.
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