Malawi’ stakeholders for criminalization migrants smuggling
Paramount Chief Kyungu, lamented that, his area more especially Chitipa is hit hard with the malpractice. Executive Director for Malawi Network against Human Trafficking, Caleb Thole. International Organization for Migration Chief of Mission, Nomagugu Hunyana Ncube said Malawi is taken as a transit route for this vice and need for an immediate action to…
By Mphatso Nkuonera
LILONGWE-(MANA)- Various key players in human rights defending have ganged up to reverse the smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons.
Paramount Chief Kyungu, lamented that, his area more especially Chitipa is hit hard with the malpractice.
“Very regrettable that young girls are being trafficked to neighboring Tanzania for domestic labour, Chitipa is hit hard and I call upon all traditional leaders to carry this issue on one shoulder so that we can stop it.
“We need government to use responsible ways to criminalize it and mete out stiffer punishments on those found on the wrong part of the law,” he said.
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission, Nomagugu Hunyana Ncube said Malawi is taken as a transit route for this vice and need for an immediate action to stifle this evil.
“Most of the causes is the need for greener pastures, and poverty as push factors, unfortunately most people are always cheated and face very harassing environments upon arrival in foreign countries without proper traveling documents.
“I am saddened that Malawi’s borders are porous and traffickers find this a fertile ground; chiefs are key to help in curbing the malpractice we appeal for their support, ” she alluded.
Executive Director for Malawi Network against Human Trafficking, Caleb Thole heaped the problem on the lack of knowledge on existing 2015, Trafficking laws.
“We hope on creating more awareness so that citizens are aware of this legal element before the situation worsens,” he said.
Speaking earlier during the opening ceremony of a day-long workshop for traditional leaders in Lilongwe, Secretary for Homeland Security, Oliver Kumbambe said 138 victims were rescued in 2021 only.
“Tobacco industry and small business services has led to many men and children rendered victims, while more women have landed themselves in Dubai, Oman, Kuwait for domestic labour but end up being used into forced prostitution,” Kumbambe explained.
He said government is working around the clock to reverse the situation hence the training to sensitize chiefs as one of the key stakeholders.
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