Kigali — For four decades, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has worked alongside the Government of Rwanda to protect children’s rights, improve their well-being and create opportunities for them to grow, learn and thrive.
UNICEF marked 40 years of partnership with Rwanda on June 26, 2026, during an anniversary event held at Zaria Court in Kigali. The event brought together government officials, development partners and children from schools across the country.
Four Decades of Achievements for Children in Rwanda
Over the past 40 years, UNICEF and the Government of Rwanda have implemented programmes aimed at improving the lives of children and strengthening systems that protect their rights.
Their cooperation has contributed to expanding child immunisation, maternal and child healthcare, access to education, nutrition programmes, clean water and sanitation, and child protection services.
These efforts reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that children can grow up in safe and supportive environments, free from violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect.
UNICEF Representative to Rwanda, Lieke van de Wiel, said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the contribution of families, communities, partners and young people who have helped improve the lives of children.
The celebration, she said, was also a moment to appreciate the collective efforts that have helped build a Rwanda where children have greater opportunities than before.
Protecting Every Child
The partnership between UNICEF and Rwanda has placed child protection among the key areas of cooperation.
Child protection involves more than responding to cases of abuse or violence.
It also includes creating systems and communities capable of preventing harm, supporting vulnerable children and ensuring that children can access essential services.
For children, access to quality education, healthcare, adequate nutrition, clean water and a safe family and community environment are all important elements of their development and protection.
Minister of Youth and Arts Development, Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima,
praised the long-standing partnership, saying it has helped give many children a healthier start in life, hope and opportunities.
He emphasised the importance of ensuring that every child has access to healthcare, nutritious food, quality education and protection.
Investing in the Future of Rwanda’s Children
As part of the 40th-anniversary activities, UNICEF announced several initiatives to be implemented throughout the year.
One of the initiatives involves planting 40 fruit trees in every primary school in Rwanda, in partnership with different government ministries.
The programme is intended to contribute to a healthier school environment while promoting environmental awareness among children.
UNICEF also plans to work with university students through nationwide competitions and dialogue sessions designed to promote awareness of children’s rights and encourage young people to participate in issues affecting children.
The Role of the Media in Child Protection
The 40-year partnership also provides an opportunity for journalists and editors to strengthen reporting on children and child rights.
Responsible journalism can help protect children by raising awareness about violations of their rights, holding institutions accountable, highlighting solutions and giving children an opportunity to be heard without exposing them to further harm.
When reporting on children, journalists should put the best interests of the child first, protect children’s privacy and dignity, avoid unnecessary identification of vulnerable children and ensure that stories do not cause additional harm.
After four decades of cooperation, the protection and well-being of children remain central to Rwanda’s development agenda.
The progress achieved so far provides a foundation for continued efforts to ensure that every child in Rwanda is protected, educated, healthy and given the opportunity to realise their full potential.
Alphonse Uhagaze