Rwanda Sees Human Trafficking Returns Since 2025 Amid International Cooperation

• Rwanda has facilitated the return of 289 human trafficking victims from four countries since 2025.
• The returns were facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MINAFFET) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
• Isange One Stop Centres provided support to 65 victims of human trafficking in 2025, offering assistance such as shelter, medical services, education, vocational skills, or income-generating activities.
• The Rwandan government continues to face challenges in addressing human trafficking due to its cross-border nature and the involvement of networks operating across different countries.

The returns were facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MINAFFET), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other institutions.

The Rwandan government has made significant strides in combating human trafficking, with a notable achievement being the facilitation of the return of 289 victims from four countries since 2025. According to Minister of Justice Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, this effort was facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MINAFFET), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other institutions. The returns were recorded from 2025 up to March 2026, with 101 people brought back from Cambodia, 99 from Oman, 58 from Laos, and 31 from Myanmar. This development highlights the importance of international cooperation in preventing and combating human trafficking.

The government has established mechanisms to support victims after their return, including assistance provided through Isange One Stop Centres. These centres provide immediate assistance, such as shelter and medical services, while also offering further support for those who need it, including education, vocational skills, or income-generating activities. In 2025, Isange One Stop Centres provided support to 65 victims of human trafficking.

However, the minister noted that Rwanda continues to face challenges in addressing human trafficking due to its cross-border nature and the involvement of networks operating across different countries.

The Rwandan government's efforts to combat human trafficking are part of its broader commitment to implementing international commitments on preventing and combating human trafficking. The minister appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, National Unity, and Security to discuss Rwanda's implementation of these commitments. This highlights the importance of staying informed about international agreements and regional initiatives aimed at preventing and combating human trafficking.

The government's cooperation with other countries has helped prevent trafficking cases, as noted by Senator Hadija Murangwa, Chairperson of the Senate Committee. She emphasized that preventing people from being trafficked is easier than trying to bring them back after exploitation has already occurred. This underscores the need for awareness and education among young people about the risks involved in human trafficking.

The minister also acknowledged that some victims face difficulties reporting their cases due to the actions of traffickers, who often take away identification documents and communication devices.

The return of 289 human trafficking victims from four countries since 2025 is a significant development in Rwanda's efforts to combat human trafficking. This achievement highlights the importance of international cooperation, awareness, and education in preventing and combating this cross-border crime.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware that the Rwandan government's efforts may lead to increased cooperation with other countries, potentially resulting in more victims being repatriated and prosecuted. Staying informed about international commitments and regional initiatives is crucial for those working to prevent and combat human trafficking.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware that the Rwandan government's efforts to combat human trafficking may lead to increased cooperation with other countries, potentially resulting in more victims being repatriated and prosecuted. This development highlights the importance of staying informed about international commitments and regional initiatives to prevent and combat human trafficking.

Source: Original reporting via New Times