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1. National Adoption

The law n°71/2018 of 31/08/2018 relating to the protection of the child determines special rights of the child, subject to other rights provided for him/her by other laws; modalities for the protection of the child and offences and penalties as applicable to the Rwandan child and the foreign child staying in Rwanda. 

These articles include:

  • Grounds for placement of a child in the custody of a third party

  • Provisional placement of a child

  • Placement of a child in a foster family

  • Placement of a child in a social welfare institution

2. Intercountry Adoption

Intercountry adoption is a legal process through which a child in Rwanda is adopted by an eligible person or family residing in another country. It is governed by Rwanda’s national laws and international standards, including the Hague Convention on Protection of Children of 1993 among others, with the child’s best interests as the primary consideration.

The National Child Development Agency (NCDA) serves as Rwanda’s Central Authority for intercountry adoption. NCDA reviews adoption applications, assesses the eligibility of prospective adoptive parents and children, and ensures that all legal and ethical requirements are met before an adoption is approved.

Intercountry adoption is considered only when no suitable family can be found for the child within Rwanda. The process is conducted through accredited authorities in the applicant’s country of residence and includes post-adoption follow-up to ensure the child’s continued wellbeing and protection.

MINISTERIAL ORDER No001/MIGEPROF/2017 OF 16/01/2017 DETERMINING CONDITIONS TO BE CONSIDERED IN INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION AND THE PROCEDURE THEREOF

3. Child protection case management

NCDA regularly receives and manages child protection cases through the national child protection case management framework. Cases can be reported in person or through other established reporting channels, particularly through the frontline workers like Inshuti z'Umuryango (IZU) and the toll-free line 711.