Human trafficking victims have three options in Rwanda: the place of origin, the site of transit, and, to a lesser extent, the market for their final destination.

The relative political and economic stability of Rwanda makes it a destination or transit point for many irregular migrants and refugees fleeing conflict in neighboring countries.

There are, however, instances where refugees escaping turmoil in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi are subjected to exploitation while in Rwanda.

In Congolese refugee camps, there have been reports of sex trafficking of female and child refugees, as well as youngsters being drafted into militias fighting in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rather than relying on local traffickers, most tales indicate Rwandan refugees traveling on their own. Despite this, investigations have shown that criminal networks are aiding the influx of migrants.

While smuggling networks are active and well-established in the region, there is little violence or state attention.

What Is The Crime Rate In Rwanda?

Level of crime
21.96 Low
Crime increasing in the past 3 years
43.72 Moderate
Worries home broken and things stolen
35.20 Low
Worries being mugged or robbed
25.65 Low
Worries car stolen
16.41 Very Low
Worries things from car stolen
38.63 Low
Worries attacked
20.20 Low
Worries being insulted
21.08 Low
Worries being subject to a physical attack because of your skin color, ethnic origin, gender or religion
15.20 Very Low
Problem people using or dealing drugs
25.48 Low
Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft
33.84 Low
Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery
22.47 Low
Problem corruption and bribery
32.84 Low

 

Due process is far from guaranteed in matters of political significance in Rwanda’s judiciary, which is subject to political influence.

The courts in Rwanda are inefficient. However, the government has launched a reform of its justice system, which aims to modernize the judiciary and reduce the time it takes for legal cases to be processed.

There are no organized crime-fighting judicial units other than those tasked with combating corruption. Rwanda’s national police force has at least two teams dedicated to combating financial and commercial organized crime as well as narcotics trafficking.

The Rwandan National Police Force is understaffed and underequipped. As a result, community watch organizations, as well as more informal crime prevention and law enforcement measures, have become an important source of resilience.

Armed groups continue to infiltrate the Rwandan borders, despite the country’s army’s constant patrols and security measures.

In the border areas between Rwanda and Burundi, there have been reports of rebel groups, and evidence suggests that these groups could move over.