Rwanda's administrative structure includes various entities at central, sub-central, and local levels that may be responsible for implementing legislation related to refugee rights.

1.Central Level:

In 2010 the  Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR) was formed, and subsequently in  renamed as the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) in 2018. MINEMA has the mandate of taking lead in the formulation, co-ordination, control, direction of disasters management, refugee affairs policies, political guidance , supervision of the humanitarian assistance in emergency situations.[1]

MINEMA in collaboration with The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is responsible for the smooth delivery of multi-sector assistance by project partners to refugees residing in refugee camps and reception centers, and to refugees and asylum seekers living in urban areas.[2]

Basis in Legislation: The relevant law is the Ministerial Instructions No 2 of 2016 of 01/06/2016 Determining the Management of Refugees and Refugee Camps.[3]Chapter 3 of the Ministerial Instructions in particular Article 16 and 17 provide for Refugee Camps Management.[4]

The Ministerial Instruction were issued in line with Article 24 of Law N°13ter/ 2014  of 21/05/2014 Relating to Refugees which states as follows :

Location of camps and modalities for refugee settlement.

“The Location of camps and modalities for refugee settlement shall be determined by the Minister after consultation with other relevant organs.”

Functions: MIDIMAR is responsible for the overall coordination and management of refugee affairs in Rwanda. This includes policy formulation, coordination with international agencies, and overseeing the implementation of laws related to refugee rights.

2.Sub-Central Level:

National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR):

With regard to the protection of human rights, Law n° 19/2013 of 25/03/2013 modified by Law no 61/2018 of 24/08/2018 determining missions, organization and functioning of the National Commission for Human Rights, in its article 6, entrusts the Commission with the following special mission:

“To monitor the compliance with the human rights, in particular with the rights of child, woman, persons with disabilities, people living with HIV/ AIDS, refugees, migrant workers and members of their families and elderly’s rights.”[5]

Basis in Legislation: The legal basis for NCHR's responsibilities may be derived from laws establishing its mandate and functions in relation to refugees.

3.Local Level:

District and Sector Authorities:

Basis in Legislation: Local authorities at the district and sector levels are mandated to implement national laws, and their responsibilities concerning refugees may be outlined in relevant legislation.

Functions: District and sector authorities play a role in the local implementation of legislation related to refugee rights. This includes ensuring access to essential services, integration initiatives, and collaboration with local communities to facilitate the well-being of refugees.

Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration:

Basis in Legislation: 

The Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration operates under Law N°57/2018 of 13/08/2018 on Immigration and Emigration in Rwanda establishing the organization, functioning, and responsibilities of the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.[6]

Functions: 

The Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration is responsible for managing the entry, stay, and exit of foreigners in Rwanda, including refugees and asylum seekers. It oversees the registration and documentation of refugees and ensures compliance with immigration laws and regulations.

[1] https://www.minema.gov.rw/about

[2] https://www.minema.gov.rw/refugees-management

[3]https://www.minema.gov.rw/index.php?eID=dumpFile&t=f&f=19387&token=2664f560582056cbac1f955b404165b00be74bad

[4]https://www.minema.gov.rw/index.php?eID=dumpFile&t=f&f=19387&token=2664f560582056cbac1f955b404165b00be74bad

[5] https://www.cndp.org.rw/1/human-rights-protection

[6] https://www.migration.gov.rw/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf_files/law_immigration_and_emigration.pdf