A delegation of Rwandans charged with drafting a new constitution for their country visited the Seventh-day Adventist Church world headquarters October 4.

The three representatives of the 12-member Constitutional Council were led by Alfred Mukezamfura, together with Goretti Dusabe, director of Constitutional Law Projects. They met with International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) experts as part of the U.S. State department-sponsored International Visitor Program.

“After the 1994 genocide that left 1 million dead and completely destroyed the country’s administrative, economic, and social structure, we are in the reconstruction and reconciliation process,” said Mukezamfura.

“As part of the Constitutional Council appointed by the National assembly, we are working to develop a new constitution for the country by seeking input from all levels of Rwandan society, as well as examining other constitutional models from different nations. We appreciate the welcome we have received here and the insights we have gained. We hope to have the new constitution ready by July 2003 as we complete this period of transition.”

Questioned about religious freedom and human rights aspects of the constitution, Mukezamfura answered that, “Rwanda has not experienced major problems over religious freedom. The country’s first constitution after independence guaranteed religious liberty and the equality of all religions before the law.

“That is not to say there have not been examples of religious discrimination in practice, especially of religious minorities by religious majorities,” he added. “In addition, since the genocide new religious sects have multiplied, and registration is required with the police as a matter of national security. Limitations on religious liberty are those related to security issues.”

Speaking on behalf of the IRLA, Secretary-General Dr. John Graz said it was “very helpful to be able to dialogue directly with those responsible for writing the new constitution. We trust that this careful approach toward the development of this most important national constitution for Rwanda will result in a document that clearly upholds fundamental human rights and advances the cause of religious freedom.”

Rwanda, the most densely populated country in Africa, has endured decades of civil strife. In the wake of the 1994 conflict, the country has been attempting to shore up and develop its economic and political structures.