Drafters of Rwanda's New Constitution Seek Input
Silver Spring, Maryland, USA .... [Jonathan Gallagher/IRLA News/ANN]
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A delegation of Rwandans charged with drafting a new constitution for
their country visited the Seventh-day Adventist Church world
headquarters October 4.

The three representatives of the 12-member Constitutional Council were
led by Alfred Mukezamfura, together with Goretti Dusabe, director of
Constitutional Law Projects. They met with International Religious
Liberty Association (IRLA) experts as part of the U.S. State
department-sponsored International Visitor Program.

"After the 1994 genocide that left 1 million dead and completely
destroyed the country's administrative, economic, and social structure,
we are in the reconstruction and reconciliation process," said
Mukezamfura. 

"As part of the Constitutional Council appointed by the National
assembly, we are working to develop a new constitution for the country
by seeking input from all levels of Rwandan society, as well as
examining other constitutional models from different nations. We
appreciate the welcome we have received here and the insights we have
gained. We hope to have the new constitution ready by July 2003 as we
complete this period of transition."

Questioned about religious freedom and human rights aspects of the
constitution, Mukezamfura answered that, "Rwanda has not experienced
major problems over religious freedom. The country's first constitution
after independence guaranteed religious liberty and the equality of all
religions before the law.

"That is not to say there have not been examples of religious
discrimination in practice, especially of religious minorities by
religious majorities," he added. "In addition, since the genocide new
religious sects have multiplied, and registration is required with the
police as a matter of national security. Limitations on religious
liberty are those related to security issues."

Speaking on behalf of the IRLA, Secretary-General Dr. John Graz said it
was "very helpful to be able to dialogue directly with those
responsible for writing the new constitution. We trust that this
careful approach toward the development of this most important national
constitution for Rwanda will result in a document that clearly upholds
fundamental human rights and advances the cause of religious freedom."

Rwanda, the most densely populated country in Africa, has endured
decades of civil strife. In the wake of the 1994 conflict, the country
has been attempting to shore up and develop its economic and political
structures.
 

ANN World News Bulletin is a review of news and information issued by
the Communication department from the Seventh-day Adventist Church
World Headquarters and released as part of the service of Adventist
News Network. It is made available primarily to religious news editors.
Our news includes dispatches from the church's international offices
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"Adventist News Network" is acknowledged. 

ANN Staff: Ray Dabrowski, director; 
Bettina Krause, news director; 
Ansel Oliver, editorial assistant. 
Copyright Adventist News Network 2001.