Gihembe refugee camp on September 12, 2013 embraced a new center for Gender-based-violence (GBV) prevention built under the funds from the UNHCR.
The GBV centre was jointly inaugurated by UNHCR, Rwanda National Police and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR) in Gicumbi District in the Northern Province of Rwanda.
Speaking at the inaugurating ceremony, the UNHCR representative in Rwanda Neimah Warsame, reaffirmed the commitment of UNHCR to support the Government of Rwanda in GBV eradication programs.
“I commend the efforts made by the Government of Rwanda in GBV prevention, and most importantly this initiative to extend GBV prevention even in refugee camps,” said Warsame.
Warsame pledged on behalf of UNHCR to remain committed in supporting refugees in Rwanda as well targeting to setup similar centers in all refugee camps in Rwanda.
The Minister of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs Mukantabana Seraphine expressed gratitude to the UNHCR for the fund it invested in the construction of this center and its equipment.
“I, on the behalf of the Government of Rwanda, commend the continued support of UNHCR to assist refugees in Rwanda. We expect that this center inaugurated today will play a significant role in reducing social crimes within the camp,” said Hon. Mukantabana.
That center will accommodate different Government institutions operating in the camp including MIDIMAR, Rwanda National Police and Immigration & Emigration Office, in order to ensure coordination and effective management.
Minister Mukantabana named the inaugurated Center “ Turi Kumwe” translated as “ We are together” in order to highlight the primacy of collaboration between different institutions and refugees’ community
DCG Stanley Habimana, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, reiterated that the police will continue to engage necessary efforts to ensure security in the camp.
“The police has been working to ensure security in this camp as elsewhere in the country. However, this facility will help us to effectively perform our duties in this camp. We shall increase staff here to make sure that that social and GBV related crimes and prevented,” Said DCG Habimana.
The inaugurated facility will specifically serve the police to enhance GBV prevention programs in Gihembe camp and enable the police to actively ensure the overall security of the camp.
Gihembe refugee camp is home for 14600 Congolese refugees who have lived there since 1996.
Rwanda: Gihembe refugee camp embraces Gender-based-violence fighting one stop centre