Rwanda: Over 100 Rwandan Human Trafficking Victims Repatriated in One Year

The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) reported that 105 Rwandans were repatriated last year. They fell victim to human trafficking. The report details the causes, methods used by traffickers, and government efforts to combat this crime.

At a press conference on June 2, RIB spokesperson Thierry Murangira shared that these repatriations occurred from June 2024 to May 2025. The victims had been trafficked to various countries. RIB statistics show that from June 2019 to July 2024, 39 individuals were intercepted while being trafficked. Between July 2024 and March 2025, another 57 people were stopped before leaving the country.

Murangira explained that many factors contribute to human trafficking. Victims are often lured by false job promises. He noted an increase in educated individuals among the victims, challenging the idea that only uneducated people are targeted. Alarmingly, some traffickers may be known to their victims, including parents or close friends.

This briefing followed the return of ten Rwandans on April 23 from Myanmar. They had been promised high-paying jobs in call centers with salaries between $1,000 and $1,500. Instead, they faced forced labor and fraudulent activities.

"These victims were lured with promises of well-paying jobs," Murangira said. "They believed working harder would earn them more money. But it was all a trap."

He urged Rwandans to stay vigilant about offers that seem too good to be true. This is especially important for those approached by strangers or informal agents offering travel or job opportunities abroad.

"Human traffickers exploit people's hopes," Murangira stated. "They offer fake visas or scholarships through social media and unregistered agencies."

According to RIB, human trafficking involves three stages: recruitment, exploitation methods, and trafficker motives. Victims may face forced labor, prostitution, organ trafficking, or forced criminal activity.

Despite a low prevalence rate of 0.4 percent per 100,000 population, Murangira emphasized the seriousness of human trafficking should not be underestimated. "The gravity of this crime lies not in numbers but in its inhumanity," he said.

He added that Rwanda collaborates with countries where many trafficked Rwandans end up. Efforts focus on prosecuting traffickers and dismantling networks while raising awareness about prevention.

"Everyone has a role to play," he said. "Youth should educate peers; parents must talk with other parents." Breaking the chain of silence is crucial in combating this issue.