The Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC) held a comprehensive training session on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for 50 students from the Law Students’ Association of the University of Rwanda.
The session, conducted on yesterday highlighted the growing importance of ADR mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration in the Rwandan legal landscape.
The Secretary General of KIAC provided an in-depth overview of the development and current status of ADR in Rwanda.
Since the adoption of the ADR Policy by the Government of Rwanda in September 2022, there has been significant progress in integrating ADR practices within the legal system.
The session focused particularly on mediation and arbitration, emphasizing their role in efficient and amicable dispute resolution.
The training was graced by the presence of Chief Justice Emeritus Sam Rugege, who serves as the Chairman of the Court Annexed Mediation Advisory Committee.
Justice Rugege educated the students on the ADR landscape in Rwanda, elaborating on the numerous professional opportunities it offers to legal practitioners and other professionals.
Both Justice Rugege and the KIAC Secretary General encouraged the students to incorporate ADR into their future careers, highlighting its benefits in achieving swift and equitable resolutions outside the traditional court system.
The students responded positively to the training, expressing their satisfaction with the knowledge and insights gained.
They recommended that similar sessions be conducted regularly and expanded to other universities to enhance the understanding and application of ADR across Rwanda.
This initiative by KIAC reflects a broader commitment to fostering a robust ADR framework in Rwanda, aligning with global trends towards alternative dispute resolution and contributing to a more effective legal system.