Article 17(2) - Right to take part in cultural life
141. The government of Rwanda has ratified the Convention relating to
international exhibitions (ratified by a Presidential Order n° 30/01 of
17/05/2010) and the Additional protocol to the Convention relating to
international exhibitions (ratified by the Presidential Order n° 36/01 of
17/05/2010). One of the new commitments of the government of Rwanda is
to promote culture. This involves; values, institutions, expressions of
Rwandan culture, National heritage and arts. Culture promotes a sense of
togetherness, imagination, inspiration, inventiveness which undoubtedly
contributes to economic development and thus reduces poverty from its
mission to maintain fairness and harmony among Rwandans, resulting in the
creation of an enabling environment for sustainable development.
142. The Ministry of Culture and Sports is tasked to build and strengthen
institutions that promote Rwandan culture. These include: Institute of
National Museums of Rwanda (IMNR), Rwandan Office of Archives and
Libraries (ORAB), National Commission of Fight against Genocide (CNLG),
Rwandan Academy of Language and Culture (RALC), Chancellery of
Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honor (CHENO).
The
commission aimed at entrenching and teaching Rwandan cultural values and
nationalism (Itorero ry’igihugu), as well as an academy of languages and
culture to promote culture and ensure transmission of positive cultural
values from generation to generation have also been established. Itorero
ry’igihugu has conducted a study on the values of Rwandan culture in
development and this helps Rwandans preserve these values in the course to
development. Beyond state obligations, the Constitution grants citizens the
right to promote the Rwandan culture.
143. This is shown by the existance of several associations including among
others the association of old wise men (Inteko izirikana), association of
writers, photographers, musicians, craftsmen, editors, association of dancing
groups, the Rwanda Cinema Centre, the play production groups, etc. The
national cultural troop (Urukerereza) and different private cultural troops
like “Inganzo Ngali” participate in different international cultural festivals
where they have won various medals and prizes. Due to its renowned rich
culture of traditional songs and dance, Rwanda was allocated by the African
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