Rwanda’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to enhance access to justice within its population has earned commendation from Justice Ministers across Commonwealth nations.
Justice Minister Emmanuel Ugirashebuja received the award on Wednesday, March 7, during the 2024 Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting held in Zanzibar from March 4 to 8.
The event, themed “Technology and Innovation: How Digitalisation Paves the Way for the Development of People-Centred Access to Justice,” recognised Rwanda’s strides in this regard.
Rwanda’s initiatives, including Abunzi and the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), were highlighted as the driving force behind the country’s recognition with the award.
These efforts underscore Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring equal access to justice for all citizens, earning commendation from the international community.
Rwanda’s Abunzi is the community mediators’ committees that operate voluntarily in cells and sectors across the country.
They assist individuals in resolving disputes that they were unable to resolve independently.
Additionally, the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) is an automated information management system developed as part of Rwanda’s initiative to modernise the Justice, Reconciliation, Law, and Order Sector.
The IECMS is designed to enhance access to and transparency of justice information for both government institutions and the general public.
It aims to facilitate information sharing at crucial decision points and improve the efficiency and coordination of police, prosecution, and court activities.
Emmanuel Ugirashebuja remarked, “Our innovation aims to provide as many people as possible with access to justice and effective means of resolving disputes.
“Technology has played a crucial role in achieving this goal, and receiving this award is an added bonus.”
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