In cooperation with the Government of Rwanda, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) arranged a domestic conference (19/7) to validate study results on “Understanding Human Trafficking in Rwanda: Causes, Effects, and Impact.”
The study, the first of its kind in the nation, was performed by Never Again Rwanda, a local NGO, and financed by the United States International Development Agency.
It was intended to determine the scope of human trafficking in Rwanda, as well as its characteristics and related variables, to formulate evidence-based suggestions to enhance local and national reaction.
Key results indicate that Rwanda is a transit nation, and a nation of origin extends to a lower extent. The bulk of intercepted victims were female (77.67 percent) and the most common forms of human trafficking in Rwanda were recognized as labor and sex trafficking. The study also disclosed that Saudi Arabia is the most frequent target (38.55 percent), followed tightly by Uganda (37.35 percent) and Kenya (7.23 percent).
Rwanda’s government has made important accomplishments in the country’s fight against trafficking ; including passing a new law in 2018, training public officials and conducting awareness-raising activities.
Still, the study identified some of the remaining main problems. These include scarce resources, insufficient testimonies of victims, and a absence of mechanisms for collaboration with other nations. Furthermore, study results indicate that service suppliers reported identifying difficulties. Victim assistance is often short-term due to absence of shelters. Male victims are also often overlooked.
The study report will serve as a basis for future informed and evidence-based programming.
IOM continues to actively assist the Government of Rwanda in all its attempts linked to migration.