Thursday, 20 March, 2025
JLAHRC deliberates on proposed Counter-Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill, 2025𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
The Senate Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee, chaired by today’s Sessional Chair, Prof. Sen. Tom Ojienda, convened virtually to deliberate on the Counter-Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The legislative proposal, sponsored by Senator Catherine Mumma, seeks to introduce stringent measures against child trafficking within orphanages, including criminalizing orphanage tourism.
Senator Mumma, while presenting the Bill, underscored the urgent need to curb the rising cases of child trafficking and exploitation in orphanages. “The lack of proper regulations exposes children to exploitation. This Bill seeks to close these loopholes by criminalizing acts such as fraudulent placement of children in orphanages, grooming, and using orphanages as a front for trafficking,” she stated.
The Bill proposes amendments to the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act (Cap. 61) by introducing definitions for ‘childcare services,’ ‘grooming,’ and ‘orphanage.’ Additionally, it outlines specific offences, including establishing or operating an orphanage for trafficking purposes, unlawfully separating children from their guardians, and promoting orphanage tourism.
Senator Crystal Asige, in her remarks, strongly supported the proposal, particularly its stance against orphanage tourism. “I welcome this proposal as it looks to change ‘orphanage tourism’ where the owners of the orphanages use children to film, make news pieces, and documentaries, which the owners of the orphanages sell to make money or market themselves abroad in disregard of the laws protecting children,” she stated.
Prof. Sen. Tom Ojienda emphasized the importance of ensuring the Bill effectively closes existing legal loopholes. “I hope the Bill seals the loopholes in the existing laws,” he remarked, urging committee members to scrutinize the provisions carefully.
As the session concluded, Senator Mumma reiterated her openness to input from stakeholders. “Members, I am open and welcome all contributions that will strengthen this draft,” she said.
The Committee is expected to consider the draft Bill and forward its comments to the Speaker within fourteen (14) days. The Speaker will then determine whether the legislative proposal should be accepted, upon which it will be published as a Bill for further debate in the Senate