By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, May 23, Mana: International Organization forMigration (IOM) in Malawi has stated that Malawi continues to register high numbers of young women that are being trafficked into labour and exploited sexually.
Chief of Mission in Malawi for IOM, Nomagugu Ncube said this Monday during the sensitization of young Women on trafficking in persons and Smuggling of Migrants at Riverside Hotel in Lilongwe.
She said most young women are experiencing various forms of trafficking due to their vulnerability saying most of them are getting into abusive situations.
“We have observed that there is active recruitment of young women in the country which need to be checked and put stop. We need to work with various stakeholders and come up with tangible solutions in order to contain the situation,” Ncube said.
She disclosed that there are over 300 young women who are currently who are trafficked to gulf region particularly in Oman.
“We believe the number are more within the gulf region and other are within the region only that we have not got in touchwith them,” the Chief of Mission stated.
Ncube said the sensitization meeting has been organized in orderto raise awareness among young women within Lilongwe on the current recruitment drive being experienced in the country.
She said IOM, government, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Malawi Girl Guides Association (MAGGA) and all partners have join hands in order to provide vital information to the young women as to where they should report if found in such situation.
Judge in Charge, Family and Probate Division of the High court of Malawi, Justice Fiona Mwale pointed out that there was need to balance progressive and proactive prevention and law enforcement activities that combat the market forces driving human trafficking in many destination counties.
“With very few survivors being detected when it most matter, we must work closely with enforcement bodies to increase risks of arrests, trial and imprisonment for traffickers,” she added.
District Secretary and Young Leader of MAGGA, Michelle Makina described the sensitization meeting crucial in raising awareness s among young women on the dangers of being trafficked.
She said the meeting would empower young women to make informed decision when faced in situation which could lead them being trafficked locally or intentionally.