Sylvester Namiwa. Malawians will push for the arrest of Mr. Lu Ke
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malawi says it has learnt with shock and dismay social media videos on the inhumane treatment of Malawian children by some Chinese nationals for profit which featured in an investigative report on the British Broadcasting Corporation [BBC] website on 13th June, 2022.
The Ministry has condemned in strongest terms such inhumane, immoral and degrading treatment, and considers the actions by the perpetrators of such unacceptable mentality as an affront to the principles enshrined in various international human rights instruments including the United Nations Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In a communiqué dated 17th June, 2022, the Ministry says it has enlisted the support of the Government of the People’s Republic of China in investigating the allegations within its jurisdiction saying this will be done through collaboration with the Malawi authorities in order to ensure that perpetrators of such actions are prosecuted accordingly.
The Ministry has requested members of the public to desist from generalizing this unfortunate incident to all Chinese nationals that are resident in Malawi.
…..’’The Malawi Government values the human dignity of all peoples, and has instituted the Ministry of National Unity to promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity,’’…..reads the statement in part.
The Malawi Government has assured all that it will take every necessary step to protect the rights of all its citizens including vulnerable groups such children and girls.
The Government of Malawi has reacted following pressure by the Centre for Democracy and Development Initiatives [CDEDI] to bring to book a Chinese national Mr. Lu Ke, who is believed to have been exploiting Malawian children for his video shootings at Njewa in Lilongwe for profit in China.
The CDEDI in its statement reminded the authorities that Malawians will stop at nothing but to push for the arrest of Mr. Lu Ke demanding his arrest to be made within 7 working days, the Chinese Ambassador to Malawi to make a public apology to the Black community and the Immigration Department to flush out all Chinese nationals that are staying or doing business in the country illegally.
But, on a sad note, the CDEDI investigations have revealed that the suspect, Mr. Lu Ke is no longer in the country, he was previously charged with human trafficking offences and the Chinese Embassy in Lilongwe through social media post, strongly condemned racism saying they were aware that the video was recorded in 2020.
