RWAMREC Human Trafficking Policy: Strengthening Safeguarding, Accountability, and Survivor Protection

Introduction to the RWAMREC Human Trafficking Policy

RWAMREC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to human rights, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable communities through the adoption of the RWAMREC Human Trafficking Policy. This policy provides a comprehensive institutional framework to prevent, identify, report, and respond to all forms of human trafficking across RWAMREC’s programs, partnerships, and operational contexts.

Human trafficking is a severe violation of human rights and a persistent global challenge. Women, girls, children, refugees, and other marginalised groups remain disproportionately affected, particularly in contexts marked by poverty, unemployment, gender inequality, and irregular migration. The RWAMREC Human Trafficking Policy responds to these realities with a rights-based, gender-responsive, and survivor-centred approach.

Why the RWAMREC Human Trafficking Policy Matters

The RWAMREC Human Trafficking Policy addresses both structural and contextual vulnerabilities that increase the risk of exploitation. RWAMREC works closely with communities, youth, and at-risk populations, including in displacement and refugee settings where protection systems may be weakened.

By strengthening internal systems, staff capacity, and partnerships with specialised institutions, RWAMREC ensures that anti-trafficking measures are not only preventive but also practical, coordinated, and effective. This policy fills critical gaps by formalising procedures, integrating trafficking indicators into monitoring tools, and reinforcing referral pathways for survivors.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Human Trafficking and Exploitation

RWAMREC adopts a strict zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of human trafficking, including:

• Sexual exploitation

• Forced labour and domestic servitude

• Child trafficking and exploitation

• Organ trafficking and other forms of abuse

The RWAMREC Human Trafficking Policy clearly states that any involvement in, facilitation of, or failure to report trafficking practices constitutes a serious breach of organisational standards and may result in disciplinary or legal action.

Legal and Policy Framework Guiding the RWAMREC Human Trafficking Policy

The policy is firmly grounded in international, regional, and national legal instruments, ensuring coherence with global and national anti-trafficking efforts.

International and Regional Frameworks

• UN Palermo Protocol on Trafficking in Persons

• ILO Conventions on Forced Labour

• CEDAW and the Convention on the Rights of the Child

• African Union and East African Community anti-trafficking frameworks

National Frameworks in Rwanda

• Law No. 51/2018 on the Prevention and Punishment of Trafficking in Persons

• Child Protection and GBV Referral Frameworks

• MIGEPROF Anti-Trafficking Guidelines

This alignment ensures that the RWAMREC Human Trafficking Policy supports coordinated, lawful, and survivor-centred responses.

Scope and Application of the RWAMREC Human Trafficking Policy

The RWAMREC Human Trafficking Policy applies to:

• All RWAMREC staff, consultants, volunteers, and contractors

• Partner organisations and collaborators

• Program participants and community engagements

The policy governs all activities, including training sessions, research, advocacy, fieldwork, travel, service delivery, and online engagement. Program managers are required to conduct trafficking risk assessments and implement mitigation measures prior to project implementation.

Guiding Principles of the RWAMREC Human Trafficking Policy

All actions under this policy are guided by the following principles:

• Human rights-based approach ensuring dignity, equality, and non-discrimination

• Gender sensitivity recognising the disproportionate impact on women and girls

• Child protection with enhanced safeguards for minors

• Confidentiality and informed consent

• Do No Harm principle

• Survivor-centred and trauma-informed response

• Inclusivity, including persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and refugees

• Accountability and transparency

Roles and Responsibilities in Preventing Human Trafficking

The RWAMREC Human Trafficking Policy clearly defines responsibilities across all levels:

• Board of Directors and Executive Director: Strategic oversight and accountability

• Protection Focal Point: Case management, referrals, and coordination

• Human Resources: Ethical recruitment, staff vetting, and training

• Program Managers: Risk assessments and integration of prevention measures

• Staff, Volunteers, and Partners: Mandatory compliance and reporting

This structured governance ensures consistent and effective implementation.

Reporting, Referral, and Survivor Support Mechanisms

The policy establishes clear, confidential, and accessible reporting channels, with mandatory reporting timelines. Suspected or confirmed cases must be reported within 24 hours to the Protection Focal Point and, where necessary, escalated to senior management.

Survivors are referred to specialised services such as:

• Isange One Stop Centres

• Rwanda Investigation Bureau

• MIGEPROF and qualified civil society partners

All responses prioritise survivor safety, dignity, confidentiality, and informed consent.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability

The RWAMREC Human Trafficking Policy is supported by a robust Monitoring and Evaluation framework that ensures:

• Continuous data collection and case tracking

• Regular staff and partner capacity assessments

• Annual internal policy reviews

• External evaluations every two years

Disciplinary measures, partner accountability clauses, and protection against retaliation reinforce RWAMREC’s zero-tolerance stance.

Strengthening RWAMREC’s Leadership in Anti-Trafficking and Safeguarding

Through the implementation of the RWAMREC Human Trafficking Policy, RWAMREC strengthens its leadership in promoting gender equality, positive masculinities, and human rights. By embedding anti-trafficking principles across all programs, RWAMREC contributes to national, regional, and global efforts to prevent exploitation and protect the most vulnerable.