ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on Rwanda's obligations under international law in relation to the right to freedom of speech. Accepting that the state of Rwanda and its people face a monumental task of transforming a divided nation into a unified and reconciled country, the question to be assessed is whether the genocide denial laws as currently operated are achieving this. While the use of legislation prohibiting certain forms of speech is often controversial, limitations on the right to free speech are permissible under Rwanda's obligations under international law. However, if the chosen avenue follows the path of restricting the right to free speech, Rwanda must adhere to international legal obligations and principles that safeguard the core of this right. The chapter also focuses on five key areas of impact in order to give a brief overview of the issues that have manifested, namely education, politics, freedom of the press, human rights advocacy and refugees.
