Rwanda has begun hearing appeals against decisions on refugee status applications, giving refugees and asylum seekers a formal channel to challenge rulings by immigration authorities.
The Appeal Tribunal for Refugees and Applicants for Refugee Status began proceedings in Kigali on Tuesday, according to information provided for this report. More than 20 appeals are expected to be heard during the first week.
The hearings are being conducted behind closed doors to protect the security of appellants, the information said.
The tribunal is mandated to review challenges to decisions affecting applications for refugee status. Its work forms part of Rwanda’s legal framework governing refugees and asylum seekers, established under Law No. 042/2024 of April 19, 2024.
Applicants whose requests for refugee status are rejected have 30 days from notification of the decision to lodge an appeal, according to guidance published by the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR. Those dissatisfied with the tribunal’s decision may petition the High Court within the period prescribed by law.
Appeals are handled through the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), according to the procedures outlined in the information provided for this report.
Refugees and asylum seekers living in camps who need information or legal assistance can approach UNHCR staff and legal partners from Prison Fellowship Rwanda working in the camps. Those living in urban areas are directed to Gikondo Community Centre for assistance.
The tribunal is expected to operate independently and impartially, with an emphasis on accountability, transparency and compliance with legal procedures in cases affecting refugees and asylum seekers.
Rwanda hosts people fleeing conflict and persecution, mainly from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
As of July 31, 2026, the country was hosting 139,683 forcibly displaced people and others of concern to UNHCR, according to data compiled by the agency from the Government of Rwanda, the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) and UNHCR. The total included 84,711 people from the Democratic Republic of Congo and 53,547 from Burundi.
Rwanda also works with UNHCR through the Emergency Transit Mechanism, which temporarily hosts vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers evacuated from Libya while longer-term solutions are sought.
