Rwanda's Constitution, adopted in 2003 and amended in 2015, addresses the application of international law in its domestic legal system.

According to Article 168: Binding force of international treaties and agreements

“Upon publication in the Official Gazette, international treaties and agreements which have been duly ratified or approved have the

force of law as national legislation in accordance with the hierarchy of laws provided for under the first paragraph of Article 95 of

this Constitution.”

Article 95 reads: 

Hierarchy of laws

The hierarchy of laws is as follows:

“1° Constitution;

2° organic law;

3° international treaties and agreements

Rwanda's Constitution, adopted in 2003 and amended in 2015, addresses the application of international law in its domestic legal system.

According to Article 168: Binding force of international treaties and agreements

“Upon publication in the Official Gazette, international treaties and agreements which have been duly ratified or approved have the

force of law as national legislation in accordance with the hierarchy of laws provided for under the first paragraph of Article 95 of

this Constitution.”

Article 95 reads: 

Hierarchy of laws

The hierarchy of laws is as follows:

“1° Constitution;

2° organic law;

3° international treaties and agreements

ratified by Rwanda;

4° ordinary law;

5° orders.

A law cannot contradict another law that is higher in hierarchy. Organic laws are those designated as such and empowered by this Constitution to regulate other key matters in the place of the

Constitution.”

Article 170: International treaties and agreements conflicting with the Constitution or an organic law

Where an international treaty or agreement contains provisions which are conflicting with the Constitution or an organic law, the power to

ratify or approve that treaty or agreement cannot be exercised until the Constitution or the organic law is amended. by Rwanda;

4° ordinary law;