Africa: Rwanda Signs AU Convention On Ending Violence Against Women, Girls

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a report by The New Times of Kigali, reported that Rwanda has signed the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, making it the ninth AU member state to join the treaty. The signing took place on Tuesday, July 28, on the sidelines of the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

According to the report, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, signed the convention during the AU meeting, which brings together foreign ministers from member states to discuss continental priorities and prepare matters for consideration by heads of state and government. Rwanda’s foreign ministry said the convention fits with the country’s vision and national gender policy.

The treaty is described in the article as the AU’s first legally binding instrument devoted specifically to ending violence against women and girls. It establishes shared standards for prevention, survivor protection, access to justice and accountability. The report says member states are expected to adopt or reinforce laws addressing physical, sexual, psychological and economic violence in both public and private settings.

The convention also calls for stronger survivor services, including health care, psychosocial support, legal assistance and shelters, as well as better investigations and prosecutions. It urges countries to use data, public education and resources to address violence and harmful practices. For Rwanda, the convention will only become effective after completion of domestic ratification procedures.