Report of the African Commission's Working Group on Indigenous Populations/Communities. Mission to the Republic of Rwanda, 1 - 5 December 2008

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights' Working Group on Indigenous Populations/Communities undertook a visit to the Republic of Rwanda in December 2008. The country visit was designed to update the Working Group on the human rights situation of the Batwa population of Rwanda. It also sought to identify the challenges faced by the community and by the government and other stakeholders in addressing their human rights situations. The report gives an account of meetings held with government authorities, civil society organizations, indigenous communities and other stakeholders. It describes the situation of the indigenous populations in the Republic of Rwanda and makes recommendations to the Government, civil society organizations and the international community. This report has three key sections: background information on Rwanda, meeting held and visit to communities, analysis, observations and recommendations. The main issues identified are the recognition of indigenous populations, the right to land and natural resources, the right to housing, the right to work, the right to political participation and self determination, and the right to health. The report is bilingual in English and French.