EALA Pushes for Unified Anti-Trafficking Law to Strengthen Regional Justice Response

By Jarc Tusiime 

 

Arusha – Tanzania 

Lawmakers in the East African Legislative Assembly have advanced proposals for a comprehensive regional law aimed at combating human trafficking, as concern grows over the increasing sophistication of cross-border trafficking networks operating within East Africa.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a unified legal framework under the East African Community to strengthen prevention efforts, improve prosecution outcomes, and enhance protection mechanisms for victims across Partner States.

 

Lawmakers call for harmonised legal framework

 

The motion to introduce the Bill was tabled by Rwandan legislator Fatuma Ndangiza and supported by South Sudan’s Gai Deng, signalling growing political momentum behind a coordinated regional response.

Ndangiza told the Assembly that the initiative is intended:

 

“to provide for the prevention and combating of trafficking in persons and for the protection, assistance, and reintegration of victims within the East African Region.”

 

Tackling evolving trafficking networks

 

Parliamentarians noted that trafficking groups have become increasingly adaptive, often using multiple transit routes and digital platforms to recruit, transport, and exploit victims across borders.

They warned that differences in national laws and enforcement capacity have created loopholes that traffickers exploit to avoid detection and prosecution, particularly when cases involve movement between multiple jurisdictions.

 

Proposed regional enforcement measures

 

The draft framework emphasizes stronger cooperation between immigration authorities, police agencies, and judicial systems across the region. It proposes enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated cross-border investigations, and joint operational strategies to dismantle trafficking networks.

Lawmakers argue that without harmonisation, prosecutions often fail when evidence or suspects move across borders, weakening the overall justice response.

 

Victim-centred protections

 

A key feature of the proposed law is the establishment of minimum standards for victim protection and support. These include safe shelter, access to healthcare, psychosocial counselling, legal assistance, and structured reintegration programs.

The Bill also prioritizes vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, who continue to be disproportionately affected by trafficking crimes in the region.

 

Next stage in legislative 

 

The proposal has been referred to committee stage for further refinement before returning to the Assembly for debate. If enacted, it is expected to significantly reshape how East African states coordinate responses to human trafficking and transnational organised crime.