In an effort to address the widespread issues of child labor and sexual abuse in Karongi District and its surrounding areas, Mr. Jean Claude Mpakaniye, Projects Coordinator at the Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union (REWU), participated in a Radio Talk Show on Isangano Radio. The program was organized at the invitation of the World Vision Rwanda – Kivu Cluster Programs Manager who is also the President of JADF Karongi, with the aim of raising public awareness and fostering collective action during the Karongi District Stakeholders’ Open Day and Exhibition at the Bwishyura site.
The talk took place on August 20, 2025, and was broadcast across districts covered by Radio Isangano. The primary focus was to discuss the roles and responsibilities of individuals and institutions in safeguarding children from exploitation and abuse.
Mr. Mpakaniye began by introducing REWU as an organization that advocates for workers within the mining sector, including quarries and mines. He emphasized REWU’s active stance against child labor and abuse, highlighting its partnership with World Vision, a prominent Christian organization dedicated to social and economic development in Rwanda. Through this collaboration, World Vision works tirelessly to protect children from violence, support their education, prevent abuse, and contribute to national progress.
He explained the legal framework, defining a child as anyone under 18 years old, in accordance with Rwandan and international laws. He urged the community to protect children from hazardous labor such as carrying bricks, mining, domestic servitude, and trafficking into prostitution — activities that deprive them of their rights to education, play, and societal growth. Mr. Mpakaniye also stressed the importance of registering all children in the civil registry to ensure proper protection.
He highlighted the harmful consequences of child exploitation, which include health issues, dropout from school, illnesses, drug abuse, and the loss of innocence.
Addressing a particularly sensitive issue, Mr. Mpakaniye elaborated on child rape, stating that any sexual act involving a child is considered rape under Rwandan law, regardless of gender. He explained the penalties for perpetrators and the importance of parental and community involvement in reporting cases, emphasizing that justice must be pursued to support victims’ reintegration and prevent stigma.
He called on everyone—parents, community leaders, health workers, and neighbors—to remain vigilant and report any acts of child exploitation. He provided helpline numbers such as 116 (RIB) and 7272 (World Vision Hotline) for anonymous reporting and support.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Mpakaniye underscored that protecting children is a collective responsibility. He stated, “Children are Rwanda’s future. Their safety and development depend on our united efforts to prevent all forms of harm.” He expressed gratitude to the government, acknowledging that good governance enables collaboration among stakeholders, national institutions, and civil society to enhance child protection.
During the discussion, questions arose about why children involved in illegal labor or abuse often go unpunished. It was noted that this is particularly true in rural communities where local support or cover-up of offenders persists. Some community officials have even been implicated in facilitating these crimes.
The event concluded with a call for increased community awareness and shared responsibility, reaffirming that the future of Rwanda depends on the protection and well-being of its children.
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