Government set to take tougher measures against human trafficking, drug abuse

The government is considering tougher measures to curb drug abuse, and human trafficking, the Minister for Internal Security, Musa Fazil Harerimana, has said. Harerimana was speaking during the National Dialogue, Umushyikirano, at the Parliamentary Buildings, yesterday. He was responding to concerns raised by the Minister for Gender and Family Promotion, Oda Gasinzigwa, who had earlier cited such vices as obstacles to family welfare. Gasinzigwa noted that, although the country has achieved a lot in terms of family promotion, cases of drug abuse, drug trafficking and human trafficking were still rife. She said the vices have a close relationship to domestic violence as reported in a number families. “Security organs are playing their part to bring criminals to book, but the youth should also be part of the struggle,” Harerimana noted. Petit stade was one of the three sites across the country where Rwandans converged to follow the 2014 Umushyikirano and participate via video link. He said that there was a move to amend the law on drug abuse and human trafficking so that those found guilty are punished heavily and also to ensure that information gathering on such cases improves. “The punishment given to the criminals is not deterrent enough. We are considering amendment of the law,” he said. Article 594 of the Penal Code states that any person who, unlawfully, makes, transforms, imports, or sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances within the country, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of three to five years or a fine of between Rwf500,000 and Rwf 5,000,000 or both. However, if the offences are committed internationally, the penalties are doubled. Youth follow the 12th Umushyikirano from Petit Stade in Remera yesterday. (John Mbanda) According to Police, 153 cases of human trafficking have been registered since 2009, with the majority of the victims being young females below the age of 35. Interpol-Rwanda says the victims are mostly taken to various countries in Africa and Asia, but Rwanda has also been reported to serve as both a source and transit route for human traffickers. Jean Philbert Nsengimana, the Minister for Youth and Information and Communications Technology (ICT), noted that the government will consider preventive measures as well as enacting legislation that is as tough as the crime committed. “New laws against drug and human trafficking will have similar penalties as murder case; because there is no difference between the two,” Nsengimana said. He called on the youth to shun activities that could put their lives at risk. “You should know that prosperity does not come on a silver platter. It is earned,” the minister said, referring to young people who are lured into human trafficking with promises of better jobs and good education only to end up into forced labour and exploitative sex. Gasinzigwa urged the youth to develop a positive attitude toward life if they want to prosper. “As we continue to raise awareness on issues related to drug abuse and human trafficking, we challenge the youth to value their lives. The government, Police and parents will play their role but the youth should also be responsible,” she noted.

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Government set to take tougher measures against human trafficking, drug abuse