Burundian ONLCT Warns: Summer Holidays Fuel Child Trafficking Surge

• The National Observatory for Combating Transnational Crime (ONLCT) has warned of a surge in child trafficking during the summer holidays in Burundi.
• Traffickers exploit school closures and economic vulnerability to recruit children, often under false pretenses.
• The ONLCT recommends that parents closely monitor their children's activities and movements during the holidays.
• Several mechanisms have been established by the Burundian authorities to combat child trafficking, including a police force dedicated to protecting minors.

Traffickers exploit school closures and economic vulnerability to recruit children, often under false pretenses.

As the summer holidays approach in Burundi, parents, administrative authorities, and communities are being warned of an increased risk of child trafficking. The National Observatory for Combating Transnational Crime (ONLCT) has sounded the alarm, citing a surge in cases during this period. Investigations by the ONLCT have revealed that traffickers exploit school closures and economic vulnerability to recruit children, often under false pretenses. According to Prime Mbarubukeye, the legal representative of the ONLCT, July and August are particularly favorable months for trafficking networks.

Traffickers in Burundi have been found to target children during periods of greatest vulnerability. School closures, socio-economic difficulties, population mobility, and the search for income all contribute to an increased risk of exploitation. The ONLCT has identified several factors that make children more susceptible to trafficking, including forced labor, domestic, economic, or sexual exploitation. In some cases, children have been found in alarming conditions, highlighting the need for urgent action.

Despite efforts by the Burundian authorities to combat child trafficking, the phenomenon persists. The government has established several mechanisms to prevent and prosecute human trafficking, including a police force dedicated to protecting minors. The Burundian Penal Code also provides for severe penalties against perpetrators of human trafficking. However, civil society actors believe that more needs to be done to dismantle trafficking networks, particularly in light of alleged involvement by certain officials.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of the increased risk of child trafficking during summer holidays in Burundi, particularly with traffickers exploiting school closures and economic vulnerability to recruit children. They should advise clients to closely monitor their children's activities and report any suspicious recruitment or missing children to the relevant authorities.

Source: Original reporting via ONLCT