Rwanda National Police

Police in Gasabo District is holding a woman for allegedly using a minor in hard labor activities.

Police said that the suspect identified as Sarah Tuyishime, 28, was arrested on Sunday in Jali Sector, Agateko Cell.

"Tuyishime was subjecting and exploiting a 13-year old girl in domestic chores and other hard labour activities instead of sending her to school," Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie-Gorette Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for City of Kigali, said.

“Information about the acts of child labour was provided by local leaders. Indeed, Police found the girl working as a maid. Her employer, Tuyishime was immediately taken into custody."

It is said that the victim, who hails from Nyaruguru District, was sent by her parents on 23 December, last year after Tuyishime asked them to look for her a maid.

CIP Umutesi warned that there are clear laws against child labor and several campaigns have been conducted in line with sensitizing the public against violation of child rights.

“Everyone should be in position to understand that, whoever exploits or deprives a child of their rights will face the wrath of the law,” she cautioned.

“Such attitude should change; parents should know they have the primary responsibility of ensuring children are not exploited or prematurely forced into labor.”

“Parents and guardians should remember their responsibility of looking after their children; take them to school and to avoid any form of abuse that makes children escape from their homes.”

Article 6 of law No. 71/2018 of 31/08/2018 relating to the protection of the child defines a child as “any person under eighteen (18) years of age.”

Article 6 of the law regulating labour in Rwanda, prohibits subjecting a child below the age of 18 to any form of works, which are physically harmful to the child; work underground, underwater, at dangerous heights or in confined space; work with dangerous machinery, equipment and tools or which involves manual handling or transport of heavy loads; work in an environment, which exposes the child to temperatures, noise levels or vibrations damaging his/her health; work for longer hours or during the night or performed in confined spaces.