EU Delegation awards outstanding essay writers

The 12 winners submitted their essays during a competition launched by the EU Delegation as part of activities to mark World Human Rights Day 2016. 

The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Rwanda, Ambassador Michael Ryan was joined by EU Ambassadors to congratulate the winners and present gifts and certificates to recognise their participation.

In his remarks, Ambassador Ryan said; "Freedom of expression may be a difficult topic but it is an important pillar of human rights. We want to engage governments to give priority to freedom of expression so that citizens express their ideas on the best way of governance according to them. This participation in gathering and exchanging ideas aims at putting in place good development policies."

After receiving their awards, the winners shared a few words of inspiration with the guests. Here are some of them:

"Freedom of expression matters because it improves our life and society".

"Freedom of expression is a way to achieve gender equality and to transform people's lives".

"Freedom of expression promotes honesty"

"Freedom of expression leads to good governance in the country"

"Freedom of expression matters because it generates new ideas, promoting innovation and creativity"

The 12 winners were selected by an EU jury from over 90 submissions. The EU Delegation was highly impressed by the level of participation and thanks all participants for their remarkable essays.

The EU Delegation to Rwanda will continue to hold such activities to engage the Rwandan public on different topics.