We are currently working on the Safe Events Guide…
We encourage everyone – individuals and collectives – to participate and share resources, best practices and insights to build together this Guide.
Rwanda is experiencing an increase in the number of events that require organisers and authorities to ensure a safe and secure experience for visitors. Bars, nightclubs and cultural and festive venues abound in Rwanda’s towns and cities.
The Safe Events Guide aims to provide guidance to organisers, authorities and other stakeholders on how to plan safe and secure events. The guide is particularly relevant to nightclubs, festivals and music events, but is also applicable to other types of events, and is based on experience, advice, tips and current legislation in the field.
The purpose of the Guide is not to establish a new regulatory framework for managing event safety, but rather to complement and enhance the existing Rwandan regulations, while drawing on relevant international guidelines and best practices.
⇒ By consolidating the key principles and recommendations from both local and global sources, the Guide aims to provide a comprehensive, practical resource for all stakeholders involved in planning, organising, and executing events.
Event safety is a complex and multifaceted aspect of any gathering, requiring careful consideration of various risks and hazards that can arise before, during, and after an event. The Guide seeks to offer clear and actionable advice on how to mitigate these risks, ensuring the safety and security of all participants, staff, and attendees.
⇒ The Guide emphasises a proactive approach to risk management, aligning with existing legal requirements and reflecting the lessons learned from global experiences in event safety.
An integral part of event safety is the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) and harassment, which can be a serious issue in crowded and public spaces.
⇒ The Guide underscores the need for event organisers and venue operators to take specific measures to protect individuals from all forms of harassment, discrimination, and violence. This includes implementing clear anti-harassment policies, providing training for staff to recognize and address incidents of harassment and GBV, and creating safe spaces or designated support areas for individuals who may feel vulnerable or need assistance.
By promoting a culture of respect, inclusivity, and zero tolerance for harassment, the Guide aims to make events safer for all participants, especially women and other marginalised groups who may be at higher risk.
⇒ The Guide highlights the importance of raising awareness about GBV and establishing reporting mechanisms that allow for quick and effective responses to any incidents.
Through the use of the Guide, event organisers, venue operators, and regulatory bodies in Rwanda will have a valuable tool to assist them in creating safe and secure environments.
Ultimately, it is hoped that the Guide will foster a culture of safety, respect, and preparedness in the event industry, helping to reduce accidents, incidents, and all forms of harassment, allowing events to proceed smoothly and securely.
