Rémy Amahirwa, the son of imprisoned Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday, delivering a powerful appeal for the release of political prisoners and greater international scrutiny of Rwanda’s human rights record.
Speaking during the 62nd Session of the Human Rights Council under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Rwanda, Amahirwa argued that the existence of prisoners of conscience reflects a broader crisis of democracy and fundamental freedoms in the country.
« My mother’s story is not unique, » he told delegates, referring to Victoire Ingabire, who was arrested for a second time in June 2025. According to Amahirwa, her detention has been marked by repeated violations of her right to a fair trial, including restrictions on access to legal counsel and limitations on her ability to prepare her defense.
He also described the personal impact of her imprisonment, saying that the conditions of detention have affected her physical health while severe restrictions on family contact have imposed a heavy emotional burden on her relatives. Amahirwa broadened his remarks beyond his mother’s case, alleging that opposition politicians, independent journalists and human rights defenders continue to face persecution, arbitrary detention and politically motivated prosecutions in Rwanda. He also cited the deaths in custody of gospel singer Kizito Mihigo and academic Aimable Karasira, whose cases, he said, have never been independently investigated.
The strongest message of his intervention came as he challenged Rwanda’s repeated commitments to human rights before the international community.
« Rwanda has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing human rights. If this were genuine, Victoire Ingabire and others like her would not be in jail. »
Concluding his statement, Amahirwa called on the Rwandan authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all prisoners of conscience and end the persecution of political opponents and human rights defenders.
Freedom Now statement
The full statement delivered by Rémy Amahirwa on behalf of Freedom Now before the United Nations Human Rights Council is available in the Freedom Now statementIt provides additional details on the concerns raised regarding the human rights situation in Rwanda and the call for the immediate release of Victoire Ingabire and other prisoners of conscience.
Watch Rémy Amahirwa’s full address before the United Nations Human Rights Council in the video below.