This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
On June 25, 2020, the US State Department released its Trafficking in Persons Report, which highlighted the struggles of Burundi and South Sudan in eliminating human trafficking.
Both countries were ranked in Tier 3, the lowest category, for failing to make any significant efforts to combat human trafficking.
While Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, members of the East African Community, also faced criticism for their performance, they were listed in Tier 2 for their efforts to prevent and prosecute human traffickers.
According to the report, Burundi failed to investigate, prosecute, or convict officials allegedly involved in trafficking crimes over the past five years. The country also lacked procedures to identify and refer victims to services.
Despite these shortcomings, the Burundi government took some steps to address trafficking, including providing training to immigration officials and conducting public awareness campaigns.
South Sudan, also on Tier 3, did not investigate or prosecute any forced labor or sex trafficking crimes for eight consecutive years. The country's police and judicial officials lacked a basic understanding of human trafficking and frequently combined human trafficking cases with illegal migration cases.
However, the South Sudan government took some steps to address trafficking, including forming an anti-trafficking task force and cooperating with an international organization to release child soldiers.
Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania had mixed ratings, but together, they identified 1,110 victims of human trafficking. Despite their efforts, they were criticized for underfunding agencies responsible for handling and preventing trafficking.
