EALA put Human traffickers on notice following the adoption of a Motion urging the Council of Ministers to combat trafficking of persons in the East African Community. The motion moved by Hon Dora Byamukama calls on the Partner States to ratify the United Nations Trafficking in Persons (UN TIP) Protocol and to enact legislation to address the crime of trafficking in persons. It is also suggested that the Council of Ministers tables annually in the Assembly, the status report on action taken by the EAC to combat trafficking in persons.
During debate, Hon Abubakar Zein Abubakar, Hon Dr. James Ndahiro and Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro supported the motion. Others who rose in support included Hon Judith Pareno and Hon Valerie Nyirahabineza.
The Resolution states that despite the benefits of the Customs Union and the Common Market, trans-border movement of goods and persons has been enhanced and thus increasing the potential for persons to be trafficked within and without the EAC.
All Partner States are signatory to the Protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children (Trafficking Protocol or UN TIP Protocol). Burundi signed the UN TIP Protocol on Dec 14, 2000, Uganda on 12th Dec 2000 and the United Republic of Tanzania signed on 13th Dec 2000.
Kenya ratified it on 5th January 2005 while the United Republic of Tanzania ratified the same on 24th May 2006.
A second Motion for a Resolution on Strategies for Slum Upgrading and Prevention in the EAC moved by Hon Nancy Abisai was also adopted. The Resolution avers that 50% of the world’s population already live in cities, with the vast majority of whom are on under a dollar a day and without safe drinking water. Of this group, most dwellers are under the age of 25 and have no serious prospects for meaningful employment. Today, there is high rate of urbanization increasing poverty and escalation of housing costs and prices and this is a challenge of housing to the ordinary citizens within the EAC region.
The Resolution notes that despite the need for adequate, suitable and equitable Housing, the region’s demand far outstrips supply. This happens even as the international human rights law recognizes adequate housing as key and sets out standards that provide for accessibility, affordability, availability, cultural adequacy, habitability, legal security of tenure and location.
The Resolution was fully supported by Hon Adam Kimbisa, Hon Sarah Bonaya, Hon Patricia Hajabakiga, Hon Mike Sebalu, Hon Joseph Kiangoi and Hon Susan Nakawuki. Hon Christophe Bazivamo and Hon Leonce Ndarubagiye also supported the motion.
The Chair of Council of Ministers, Hon Shem Bageine noted that different land tenure systems in the Partner States were having an effect on urban development including agriculture. He remarked that Partner States also lacked the requisite resources to be able to develop housing for all.
“We are not all at a level where we can engage at providing housing for all at this stage but I am sure we can formulate policies that help our people to have decent housing” the Minister added.
Meanwhile, the Assembly wants the implementation of cross border broadband networks to facilitate the integration of ICT Networks and affordable costs of cross-border communications. In order to harmonise roaming on call costs, EALA wants the Council of Ministers to push for the introduction of uniform price cap regulation for roaming mobile costs within the EAC. This it says shall enable consumers to enjoy the benefits of competitive calling rates. Regulators on their part should encourage all mobile operators in the region to adopt one network approach as applied by AIrtel Telecommunication Company.
Hon Yves Nsabimana however noted that harmonization of policies would be recommended despite the challenges the move poses. Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary, Hon Phyllis Kandie lauded the move saying it would attract investors.
The House was informed that although the region had made important strides in the development of ICT Policy and regulatory framework, regulators needed to emphasise timely implementation and update their e-strategies.
“In order to be holistic, national and regional policy and regulatory frameworks should address the entire ICT eco-system if these countries and the region are to build a sustainable communication sector and to take advantage of the opportunities created by the global digital revolution,” a section of the Report states.
To realize this, the Assembly recommends enhanced partnership between the EAC and East African Communication Organisation (EACO) so as to create synergies and contribute to building of a competitive knowledge economy in East Africa.
The House also granted Hon Abubakar Zein Abubakar leave to introduce a Private Members Bill entitled the East African Community Civic Education Bill, 2013. The Bill according to the mover shall enable citizens to meaningfully participate in the integration process and bring them fully on board.
EALA is expected to end the Session tomorrow.
DOWNLOAD: ON-SPOT ASSESSMENT OF REGIONAL COOPERATION IN ICT
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