U.S. Department of State 2001 Trafficking in Persons Report - Democratic Republic of the Congo
| Publisher | United States Department of State |
| Author | Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons |
| Publication Date | 12 July 2001 |
| Cite as | United States Department of State, U.S. Department of State 2001 Trafficking in Persons Report - Democratic Republic of the Congo, 12 July 2001, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4680d780c.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Democratic Republic of the Congo (Tier 3)
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a significant country of origin for trafficking in persons. Women are trafficked to Europe, mainly France and Belgium, for sexual exploitation, and boys are trafficked by Ugandan troops and rebel groups for forced and voluntary military service. Ugandan and Rwandan soldiers, in addition to Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD) rebels, reportedly abducted many Congolese women and girls from the villages they raided. Insurgent groups from neighboring countries have abducted a number of Congolese children to be labor or sex slaves, or to serve in the military.
The Government of the DRC does not meet the minimum standards; the Government has not yet made significant efforts to combat trafficking, due in part to lack of resources or information and unwillingness to acknowledge there is a significant problem, and because much of the country's trafficking problem occurs in areas controlled by rebel groups and foreign armies. There are no anti-trafficking laws; however, laws against unlawful imprisonment and running brothels could be used against traffickers. The Government has not vigorously investigated or prosecuted trafficking cases. There is no known complicity in trafficking by government officials. The Government has no resources for training; however, it permits training of officials by the Government of France and by NGO's. The Government does not coordinate with other countries on trafficking issues and has no funding for protection services. Victims are not prosecuted. The Government has signed but not ratified ILO Convention 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labor and the protocols on sale of the children and trafficking.
