Bujumbura – Five Burundian officials and one representative from civil society visited Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania from 24 to 25 May 2018 for a counter-trafficking study visit facilitated by IOM, the UN Migration Agency, with support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The visit helped the Burundi delegation and Tanzanian counterparts to exchange experience and share practical knowledge in the fight against trafficking in persons. It also aimed to strengthening cross-border cooperation between Burundi and Tanzania, specifically in regard to policy development and police investigations.

During the visit, the Burundian delegation met the United Republic of Tanzanian Anti-Trafficking Committee and Secretariat to discuss various measures taken by Tanzania to prevent and repress trafficking in persons.

Both delegations shared their legal frameworks and the challenges associated with prosecuting trafficking occurring across international jurisdictions, as well as the need for penalties to be proportionate to the profits amassed by criminals.

“To better ensure the prevention, repression and protection of victims of trafficking, Burundi should establish a National Commission, similar to the Tanzanian organ, on the prevention and repression of trafficking in persons, as stated in the national anti-trafficking law (Art 7, 2014) and develop a National Action Plan to combat the crime of trafficking in persons,” noted Olivier Nkundimfura, Head of the National Counter Trafficking Committee in Burundi.

Tanzania emphasized the important role of the government employment service agency (TAESA), which helps to protects migrant workers and thus serves as a trafficking prevention method.

“Trafficking in persons is a global problem that often transcends national borders. It therefore requires transnational policies that engage international cooperation through information exchange and mutual assistance,” said Seperatus Fella, Secretary of the Anti-Trafficking Secretariat in United Republic of Tanzania.

National actors in the field of preventing and combating trafficking in persons in both countries agreed to be involved in continuing and increasing information-sharing between Burundi and United Republic of Tanzania and other international partners, to facilitate investigations and victim assistance.

Regional trafficking networks are operating in both countries and Tanzania serves both as a transit and destination country for victims of trafficking from Burundi.  Burundian migrants, many of them children, are trafficked to work primarily in the agricultural sector and as domestic servants in Tanzania.  Further, Burundian women are often transported through Tanzania on route to Gulf States.

“The study visit falls within the framework of partnership between IOM and the Government of Burundi to strengthen the national counter trafficking response. The exposure to the practices of Tanzania will help to inform the development of policies in Burundi, and the personal contacts made are essential to improving cross-border cooperation among all of the stakeholders involved,” said Niamh McEvoy, Counter Trafficking Project Manager at IOM Burundi.

For questions or further details, please contact Niamh McEvoy at nmcevoy@iom.int.