World Evangelical Alliance Criticizes Rwanda's Religious Regulation Laws

The World Evangelical Alliance has formally determined that Rwanda's current legal framework for religious organizations does not align with international human rights standards. In a recent submission to the Universal Periodic Review, the alliance urged the Rwandan government to reconsider its 2018 law on faith-based organizations. This request also includes a review of the 2025 amendments and the associated operational guidelines currently in effect. The organization argues that these measures may conflict with constitutional guarantees regarding freedom of religion and belief. The 2018 law, titled Determining the Organisation and Functioning of Faith-based Organisations, established strict requirements for religious groups. These mandates include mandatory state registration and the requirement for religious leaders to hold formal theological degrees. Critics of the policy suggest that these regulations place an undue burden on smaller or independent congregations. The government maintains that these rules are necessary to ensure safety and proper oversight of religious activities. During a significant inspection period in mid-2024, authorities examined more than 13,000 places of worship across the country. Following these inspections, approximately 7,700 churches were closed for failing to comply with the updated regulatory standards. This widespread action has significantly altered the landscape for religious practice in Rwanda. Observers note that the closures have made it increasingly difficult for new churches to establish themselves or for existing ones to renew their operational licenses. Data from the advocacy group Open Doors indicates that the pressure on the religious sector has risen steadily over the last few years. Rwanda's score on the World Watch List for Christian persecution moved from 42 points in 2021 to 58 points by 2025. This shift reflects the growing challenges faced by faith communities in navigating the current administrative environment. International human rights monitors continue to track these developments closely. They emphasize that religious freedom remains a vital component of a healthy and functioning civil society. The ongoing dialogue between the government and religious stakeholders will likely determine the future of these regulatory policies.