A research participant provides his or her consent before his or her participation in research.
Before the research participant expresses his or her consent, the researcher informs him or her about the research objectives, methodology,duration, expected outcomes and possible consequences that he or she may incur because of the research.
The consent of the research participant must be informed and freely given.
The consent is performed in the language that the research participant understands well.
A research participant gives his or her consent in writing. If he or she is not capable of making a written consent, the consent is certified by his or her spouse, parent, guardian or legal representative or such other person designated by the research participant. The person designated must have no link with the researcher or the research promoter.
However, the consent can be given orally if the research participant does not incur serious consequences and upon authorisation from the RNEC.
A research participant has the right to refuse to participate in research or withdraw his or her consent at any moment without incurring any responsibility or any harm resulting from that act.
The body of the deceased person is treated with respect and dignity.
For research purposes, the body of a person declared to be dead may be subjected to research, upon a written consent made by the deceased person before his or her death.
However, where the deceased person left no written consent, the consent may be made by his or her close relative in accordance with relevant legislation.
Organs of the body of a deceased person and its residues used in a research work cannot be sold or be otherwise used in a manner inconsistent with the terms of research agreement.
Bodies of victims of the Genocide against Tutsi in 1994 cannot be subject to research on the body of the deceased person.
However, an order of the Minister in charge of the management of genocide memorials may determine categories of research allowed on such bodies.
A researcher has an obligation to respect research principles by developing a sound research protocol and executing it in its integrity.
The RNEC approves the research protocol before the researcher conducts research.
Rules of procedure of the RNEC determine the procedures for the submission, analysis and approval of the research protocol.
The researcher has an obligation to show respect to the research participant and respect his or her wellbeing.
The researcher pays special attention to a vulnerable person and he or she has the obligation to provide, in writing, a thorough ground for conducting research on a vulnerable person.
A researcher demonstrates in the research protocol, how the research work is not detrimental to the environment.
The researcher notifies RNEC of consequences and suspected consequences of research within forty-eight (48) hours from the time of incidence.The researcher immediately suspends the research work where it is likely to cause serious damages, severe injuries, incurable illness, disability, death or other harm to the research participant.
A researcher must refrain from being influenced by preferences, sympathies, his or her interests or prejudices.
A researcher has an obligation to keep secret personal data collected from a research participant.
However, when necessary, confidentiality referred to under Paragraph One of this Article may be interrupted in the interest of the research participant in accordance with relevant legislation.
At the end of research, the researcher informs a research participant of the research findings in accordance with the research protocol.
Where the research participant is dead, his or her heir is informed of research results in accordance with the research protocol.
A researcher publishes and disseminates research findings with a view of highlighting research benefits and research performance
The researcher on human being pays compensation for damages caused because of research in accordance with relevant legislation.
Depending on the nature of research, the researcher at his or her own discretion or upon request by the RNEC indicates in the research protocol that the research participant would be subject to insurance coverage.
The researcher subscribes an insurance coverage for the research participant from one of insurance institutions or companies registered in Rwanda.