Critical analysis on expropriation for public interest and human rights violation in Rwanda

Abstract

The study on the human rights respect during expropriation for public interests in Rwanda had objectives of assessing the level of human rights respect during expropriation for public interests, to propose mechanisms to prevent human rights violations during expropriation, to propose effective remedial actions for victims of human rights violations resulted from expropriations and to formulate recommendations to relevant stakeholders. This chapter draws conclusions from the study and issues recommendations to concerned organs. As problem statement, the implementation of a policy of expropriation is necessary in Rwanda for the promotion of modern developments that will have positive impacts on Rwanda‘s citizens. In general, Rwandans support the government‘s development plans and are often supportive of expropriation projects that affect their own lands. However, many expropriated households report being negatively impacted by low valuation of their properties and delayed compensation payments. In Rwanda‘s predominantly rural economy, these types of delays

can cause extreme hardship on vulnerable groups such as subsistence farmers and female- headed households. Urban dwellers likewise report problematic application of the procedural

requirements of the expropriation law. Improved planning and coordination to ensure that expropriation projects are not commenced without proper allocation of funds or preparation for construction or related work will lessen the negative impacts of expropriation on affected households and individuals. Moreover, an increased effort to involve citizens, and in particular expropriated households, at every stage in the process is likely to garner more support for expropriations, and also individual satisfaction with the process overall.The first chapter introduced the study; the second chapter highlighted the literature review on expropriation and human rights; the third chapter assessed the various abuses committed in the implementation of expropriation projects; the fourth chapter proposed different mechanisms to prevent and remedy violations of public liberties during expropriations