Human Trafficking Incidence in Rwanda: Its Challenges, Prevention and Control
Isaboke Peter Kennedy Nyataya1,Gacinya John2
Citation :Isaboke Peter Kennedy Nyataya,Gacinya John, Human Trafficking Incidence in Rwanda: Its Challenges, Prevention and Control International Journal of Research in Sociology and Anthropology,2017;3(1):19-29.
Rwandans like any other people in the rest of the world, suffer physically and psychologically during and after the transportation of victims of human trafficking to other parts of the world. It is observed that,occupational hazards in industries pose danger to the lives of victims of labour trafficking. It is also noted that sexually-abused victims of human trafficking risk catching HIV/AIDS pandemic. Ignorance, poverty, family conflicts and gender inequality have been found to be some of the key 'push' factors that drive individuals to seek economic opportunities elsewhere other than their home areas. Too, there exist some key 'Pull' factors that tend to influence individuals to leave their permanent residences with a view to searching better life opportunities in the perceived more prosperous countries than their home countries, hence, escaping from the incidences of family conflicts, poverty and unemployment. The main objective of the present study was to understand the challenges faced by the Government of Rwanda in its efforts to prevent and control the incidence of trafficking in the country. Qualitative research design and documentary technique were adopted for the study.The findings of the study showed that limited research, limited capacity for law enforcers in terms of trained personnel and equipment, limited awareness, insufficient legislation, presence of cultural norms and attitudes,globalization, social media and digital technology, porous borders, gender inequality, limited coordination and cooperation among different stakeholders and law enforcing agencies, were identified as the main challengestowards effective prevention and control of human trafficking in the country.Hence,the present researchers recommend that the Government of Rwanda should make efforts to educate and sensitise the public in general on the dangers of human trafficking. Besides, it should enhance its coordination and cooperation with other relevant institutions and agencies, improve the capacity of all law enforcers and ensure appropriates legislations are put in place and effectively implemented. In addition, the Government should put mechanisms in place directed towards the reduction of poverty and unemployment among its citizens, improve gender equality and educate the masses on cultural norms that may create enabling environment for the incidence of human trafficking in the country