Rwanda’s Appeals Committee for Refugees and Asylum Seekers began hearing appeals on October 20 from people challenging decisions on their applications for refugee status.
The committee is expected to review more than 20 appeals during the first week of hearings, giving applicants an opportunity to explain why they disagree with decisions made by the authorities responsible for determining refugee status.
Under Law No. 042/2024 of April 19, 2024, governing refugees and asylum seekers in Rwanda, a person may qualify for refugee status if they have a well-founded fear of persecution in their country of origin because of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.
Protection may also be available to people forced to leave their countries because of serious circumstances, including war, violence or other events that severely disrupt public order, subject to the applicable legal requirements.
Applications are assessed based on the circumstances that prompted a person to flee, the account they provide and other relevant evidence. Leaving one’s country does not automatically qualify a person for refugee status; eligibility must be established under the law.
Applicants who disagree with decisions on their cases may appeal to the competent authority for reconsideration.
Rwanda has hosted refugees and other people in need of protection for years. As of July 31, 2026, the country was hosting 139,683 people, including forcibly displaced people and others in need of protection.
