TIP OPEN FOR DISCUSSION IN MALAWI

UNCLAS LILONGWE 000734

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR G/TIP (YOUSEY) AND AF/RSA (ZUEHLKE)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM KCRM KWMN PREL MI
SUBJECT: TIP OPEN FOR DISCUSSION IN MALAWI

REF: A. LILONGWE 723


B. LILONGWE 710


1. SUMMARY. On July 29, post hosted a Human Rights
Symposium focused on trafficking in persons (TIP). In
attendance were numerous GOM officials, including Minister of
Gender, Child Welfare, and Community Services Joyce Banda.
The keynote address was presented by Supreme Court Justice
Anastazia Msosa, and focused on what actions the GOM and
civil society organizations might take to address the issue
in Malawi. Also in attendance were media representatives,
NGO leaders, and diplomats, all of whom contributed to a
thoughtful, intelligent discussion of how the problem of
human trafficking can best be addressed in Malawi. END
SUMMARY.


2. In her keynote address Supreme Court Justice Anastazia
Msosa pointed out that widespread poverty and rampant
HIV/AIDS infection are likely behind Malawi's nascent TIP
problem. Regardless of these reasons, she said, human
trafficking cannot be tolerated and must be addressed. She
called for tougher laws which would "close the gaps" in the
existing penal code and a careful study of the exact nature
of the problem in Malawi, both of which would permit the GOM
to "lead the fight" against TIP. Msosa, a well-respected,
vocal human rights advocate, spoke openly about the need to
develop and implement a national, regional, and global
network to "speak with one voice" against human trafficking.


3. Minister Banda opted not to make a formal presentation
(NOTE: Likely because of the GOM's refutation of the TIP
report, reftel A.) Banda did, however, add pertinent
comments to the general discussion and was eager to hear from
human rights NGOs and USG officials. "You have an ally in
me," she said when asked for a reaction to the discussion.


4. None of the GOM or NGO representatives present expressed
surprise that TIP occurred in Malawi, and most seemed more
interested in the way forward than in the mechanics of the
report or of U.S. policy. One senior GOM official who works
in a ministry which has been particularly vocal in rejecting
the TIP report's findings admitted that as traffickers become
more "sophisticated," Malawi's laws need to keep pace and
become equally sophisticated.


5. On August 2, an article in a nationwide daily newspaper
correctly quoted the TIP report and referenced Msosa's July
29 remarks. The leader of a well-known NGO umbrella
organization is quoted as saying that while the GOM lacks the
capacity to investigate TIP, it can do more to address the
problem.


6. COMMENT. The issue of TIP is officially open for
discussion in Malawi, a good start in raising awareness and
encouraging action. The attendance of several key GOM
officials at the symposium and the GOM's scathing, but
inconsistent, rebuttal to the TIP report both indicate that
the issue has caught the GOM's attention. As in our initial
meeting regarding TIP (reftel B),the Minister was not
interested in debating the USG's report, but rather gave us
assurances of her interest in preventing TIP from increasing
in Malawi. The GOM's capacity and resources to investigate
and prevent TIP are extremely limited; partnerships with NGOs
and churches are likely to yield the best results in the
fight against TIP. The recent publicity and, in the case of
the GOM, unease regarding TIP may well serve as a catalyst
for action.
RASPOLIC