UN Poverty Expert Warns Against Rwanda Balancing Its Budget “on the Backs of the Poor”

UN poverty expert warns against Rwanda balancing its budget “on the backs of the poor”

UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights Olivier De Schutter said on Friday that Rwanda needs to better distribute its wealth to protect populations that are still living below the poverty line, especially vulnerable rural populations. Although De Schutter praised Rwanda for its marked progress in reducing poverty, he warned that much could be undone if plans to cut social protection are implemented. He noted that funding for ma…

Ruhango District authorities say that 8,000 households who want to get out of poverty must first change their mindset. This was reiterated by the Ruhango District authorities and a group of MPs during a community service held last month in Byimana Sector. In a message to the residents with limited resources, the Mayor of Ruhango District, Habarurema Valens, emphasized the message given by the Ministry of Local Government, which calls on the vuln…

Set minimum wage to address in-work poverty — UN Special Rapporteur

Despite Rwanda’s commendable strides in reducing poverty, more than a quarter of its working citizens remain trapped in poverty due to low wages. This was one of the concerns ra...

Press release: Rwanda must avoid balancing budget on the backs of the poor: UN poverty expert - Olivier De Schutter

The post Press release: Rwanda must avoid balancing budget on the backs of the poor: UN poverty expert appeared first on Olivier De Schutter.

Rwanda must avoid balancing budget on the backs of the poor: UN poverty expert

🌍KIGALI (30 MAY 2025) –The UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivier De Schutter, today praised Rwanda for its impressive progress in reducing poverty, but warned that much good work could be undone if plans to slash social protection are followed through, leaving the rural poor especially vulnerable. “Rwanda has made remarkable strides, lifting