various programs, policies and strategies to reduce poverty with particular
emphasis on vulnerable groups.
147. The construction of shelters for vulnerable people is a government program
aiming supporting needy families. Needy families have been grated shelters.
In all districts, houses are constructed according to the programme of
settlement in villages, and with dimensions of 8 per 6 meters. Many of the
houses are constructed with support of the citizens, in community works
(umuganda), Travaux d’Intérêt General (TIG) which is the community
service by prisoners, and during the army week where Rwanda Defence
Force conduct social help activities to the community.
148. Considerable achievement has been registered in Elimination of
Discrimination against Women. Rwanda continues to foster gender equality
by implementing initiatives aimed at increasing the representation of women
at various levels in government. As a result, women represent 64% of the
seats in the lower chamber of Parliament, 38% in the Senate, 40% of the
cabinet, 46% of the Judiciary, and 40% of the provincial governor seats.
Representation at district, sector and Kigali City consultative councils stands
at 43.2%, 45.1% and 51.5% respectively. This trend is also reflected in other
decision-making positions in the Private sector, Central and Local
Government.
149. The Forum of Women Parliamentarians work hands in hands with the
National Women Council and GMO and with various other women
associations to advocate for women’s rights and sensitize women to take up
leadership roles in all organs.
(b) Protection of Child rights
150. Article 19 of the Constitution of 2003 revised in 2015 provides that every
child has the right to specific mechanism of protection by his or her family.
Rwanda ratified almost all international conventions relating to the
promotion and protection of child rights including the UN Convention on the
Rights of the Child (CRC) and its additional protocols, as well as the African
Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
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