RWANDA - OUTREACH TO ACTIVISTS FOR DEMOCRACY AND

UNCLAS KIGALI 000324 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR DRL/SEA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL RW SUBJECT: RWANDA - OUTREACH TO ACTIVISTS FOR DEMOCRACY AND DISSIDENTS REF: SECSTATE 44903 ¶1. (U) Embassy Kigali has taken several strides to reach out to activists for democracy and dissidents since the Secretary's request for such action by Chiefs of Mission. Ambassador and Embassy personnel have met frequently with members of independent political parties, human rights and civil society organizations, independent journalists, and religious groups on issues of democracy and governance. Mission officers conducted several prison visits, where they observed and spoke with detainees, including prominent former politicians. Mission staff conducted regular outreach programs, including a workshop on political communication for political parties, civil society, and the media, focusing on democratic debate and pluralism, party organization, and mobilization. Journalists also received training and development on media in a democracy, ethics and social responsibility through participation in the International Visitor Program. ¶2. (U) The Ambassador and Mission staff were forceful advocates in support of human rights and democracy and raised concerns about human rights abuses with high-level government officials, NGOs, and international agencies. Using a wide range of diplomatic tools, the Mission closely monitored and reported on human rights abuses; provided technical assistance and training to promote government accountability and respect for human rights; offered programs to strengthen institutions, NGOs, and civil society; and was proactively engaged in individual cases of concern. The Ambassador and members of the Mission worked with the government to develop strategies and programming designed to improve ruling justly indicators, particularly political rights, civil liberties, and voice and accountability, including in such areas as judicial independence, civil society participation, and press freedom as part of its Millennium Challenge Corporation Country Threshold Plan. ARIETTI