In a major effort to combat human trafficking in Rwanda, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has launched an awareness campaign across the Eastern Province. Residents in Nyagatare District are gaining a clearer understanding of human trafficking and how it affects their communities.
The campaign, led by the Provincial Chief Investigator, Rutaro Hubert, seeks to educate citizens about the risks and realities of human trafficking. He urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities promptly.
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Campaign Begins in Karama Sector
The awareness campaign started in Karama Sector, where local residents gathered to learn about the methods traffickers use.
During the session, authorities explained the dangers of trafficking. They highlighted how traffickers exploit people for forced labor, sexual purposes, or organ trade. Residents also learned how traffickers carefully plan to target vulnerable individuals.
Residents Express Shock and Surprise
Many participants admitted they had not realized such crimes could occur so close to home.
Mushumba Celestine said: “I had no idea that someone could sell another person or even traffic human organs. I thought such things only happened in faraway countries, but now I understand how real and close this threat is.”
This revelation left several residents shocked and motivated them to watch their neighborhoods more closely.
The High Value of Human Organs
The campaign also emphasized the high value of human organs and how traffickers exploit victims for profit.
Authorities explained that a human heart can sell for between $199,000 and $1 million, making individuals highly vulnerable to coercion.
Ngengiyumva Jean Baptist, a young father attending the session, said: “I am shocked to learn the level of planning and deception involved in human trafficking. I will make sure to report anything suspicious in my neighborhood immediately. Our children must be protected.”
An elder in the community added: “We must teach our children and neighbors about these crimes. Ignorance allows criminals to take advantage of our people. Education and vigilance are our strongest defenses.”
PCI Rutaro Hubert’s Address to Residents
During the event, Rutaro Hubert stressed both the human and legal dimensions of trafficking.
He said: “Human trafficking is a serious crime that threatens the safety and dignity of our people. As citizens, you have a crucial role to play in preventing it. Always be alert and report suspicious activities immediately. Remember, anyone recruiting, transporting, harboring, or receiving a person through threats, force, deception, or coercion for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or organ removal is committing a crime.”
He added: “This crime is punishable under Law Nº 51/2018 of 13/08/2018, which governs the prevention, suppression, and punishment of human trafficking and profiting from others. Every report you make helps save lives and brings criminals to justice. Together, we can protect the vulnerable and strengthen our communities.”
The Role of Law and Community Vigilance
The law provides strict penalties for perpetrators, reinforcing Rwanda’s zero-tolerance approach to human trafficking. Rutaro Hubert encouraged residents to cooperate fully with law enforcement.
He stressed that even small acts of vigilance, such as reporting suspicious movements or recruitment attempts, can save lives. Residents were reminded that everyone has a responsibility to protect children, women, and other vulnerable individuals.
Campaign Targets Border Sectors
This five-day awareness campaign will continue across sectors along the borders of Kirehe and Nyagatare districts. It targets vulnerable communities to educate citizens and strengthen community protection against trafficking.
Through training and community participation, authorities aim to build a culture of zero tolerance for human trafficking. By empowering citizens to act, the campaign helps prevent exploitation and supports law enforcement efforts.
Knowledge as a Defense
Rutaro Hubert concluded: “Knowledge is our first line of defense. When communities are informed, traffickers have nowhere to hide. Let us remain united, vigilant, and committed to ending human trafficking in Rwanda.”
According to RIB figures, between 2022 and 2023, over two hundred thousands of people(200) were trafficked in the entire world, while in Rwanda between 2019 and 2024, only 297 people were trafficked. RIB notes that these are the known cases; there are others who died or did not return.
