Analyzing the influence of Information and communication Technology on the scourge of human trafficking in Rwanda

Abstract

Rwanda’s Information Communication and Technology (ICT) sector is among the fastest growing ICT sectors in Africa. Mobile phone penetration had risen to 65% and internet spread was above 20% in 2013. ICT is double edged and has had positive and negative effects to the Rwandan society. It is hoped that Information communication technology is likely to reduce unemployment and transform the country into a competitive, knowledge based economy. On other hand, ICT has facilitated human trafficking and trafficked people have had physical and psychological suffering due to labor and sexual exploitation. Human trafficking is prevalent despite government effort to eradicate it. The main objective of the study is to analyze the role of Information Communication technology in facilitating human trafficking in Rwanda. Qualitative research design and documentary technique were applied for the study. The findings of study indicate that human trafficking crimes are clandestine in nature.ICT in terms of internet and mobile phones is used in the processes of human trafficking that include; recruitment,transfer,transportation and exploitation of the victim. Online sex trafficking and recruitment of human trafficking victims is done using social media and mobile phones. Law enforcement officials have made significant progress in mobile phone tracking during victim rescue, there has been installation of the cybercrime facility to detect cyber-crimes, also Interpol communication system-the I-24/7 has been installed at most parts of the Rwandan border of entry to track and rescue trafficked individuals. There has been provision of mobile phones to the rural women to relay information related to human trafficking to the police. Other than that all subscribers of mobile cellular services are registered in the country as well as legislation on punishment for applying ICT to commit human trafficking crimes. Thus, recommendations are that; The Rwandan population should endeavor to cooperate with the government bodies to provide information for those ICT to traffic people; the public should be educated on the good and bad use of information communication technology. There should as well be inter sectoral linages in the fight against human trafficking facilitated by ICT. Regional and international cooperation related to the combat of human trafficking related to ICT is key, and international law against use of ICT to traffic people should be in place.