The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has partnered with organizations such as Eye of the Child, US-based Free A Girl, and the Department of Social Welfare to combat commercial sexual exploitation of children. According to Assistant Commissioner Patricia Njawili, the problem is particularly prevalent in Lilongwe, with many young teenagers, including girls, living on the streets and engaging in commercial sex. The MPS has been conducting rescue operations to remove children from these situations.
Many of the rescued children have been exposed to risky situations, including commercial sex and exploitation, and some have been found with sexually transmitted infections. The MPS has arrested some individuals in connection with the abuse or exploitation of these children, with cases currently in court. Business owners who claim ignorance of the girls' ages during rescues are not considered a valid defense, as it is their responsibility to verify ages.
The recruitment process for these children often involves deception, with some being duped into believing they will work as domestic workers or waitresses, only to end up in bars and lodges. Others are recruited by women, and some may feel that working or staying in a bottle store is safer than remaining at home due to push factors such as poverty or ill-treatment by parents or guardians.
The MPS works periodically with the Department of Social Welfare and non-governmental organizations to identify and remove children from harmful environments. However, they face challenges in providing safe housing and resources for the rescued children. In some cases, 50 to 100 children are found in one raid, but there are not enough safe houses to accommodate them.
The lack of resources and facilities is a significant challenge in addressing the problem. The MPS needs enough officers and vehicles to conduct rescue operations effectively. Additionally, some children become hostile towards police during rescue operations, having been brainwashed into believing the perpetrators are their protectors.
To curb the vice, the MPS conducts awareness campaigns targeting parents, bar owners, and lodge operators about their responsibilities under the law to protect children. Rescued children are taken to safe houses run in partnership with Eye of the Child and Free A Girl, where they receive counselling, life skills training, and support for reintegration.
Despite the challenges, the MPS continues to work towards addressing the problem of commercial sexual exploitation of children in Malawi. With adequate resources, they could potentially rescue hundreds of children daily. The MPS and its partners are working to provide support and protection to these vulnerable children and bring perpetrators to justice.
Key points
- The Malawi Police Service has rescued hundreds of children from commercial sexual exploitation, but faces challenges in providing safe housing and resources.
- The recruitment process for these children often involves deception, with some being duped into believing they will work as domestic workers or waitresses.
- The MPS conducts awareness campaigns targeting parents, bar owners, and lodge operators about their responsibilities under the law to protect children.
