Malawian Judge Esmie Chondo Blocks Madonna's Adoption of Orphan Mercy James, Says it Could Encourage "Child Trafficking"

I am no big fan of Madonna and I also cannot understand why she couldn't adopt an American child, since there are so many children in foster homes in this country. Malawian Judge Esmie Chondo said allowing the pop star to take the four-year-old girl out of the country would set a dangerous precedent. Judge Chondo went on to say that, "By removing the very safeguard that is supposed to protect our children, the courts by their pronouncements could actually facilitate trafficking of children by some unscrupulous individuals who would take advantage of the weakness of the law of the land." What? Madonna facilitating child trafficking? Totally ridiculous and actually laughable.

The judge added that the child is better off in the orphanage and that she has an extended family. Really? Then if they loved her so much, why is she living in an orphanage? Am I missing something here? Let's see, since this judge is painting a picture that everything is A-okay in Malawi, I decided to dig around to find out more about the country. As I discovered, Malawi is, not surprising, among the world's least developed and most densely populated countries.

The economy is heavily based in agriculture, with a largely rural population. The Malawian government depends heavily on outside aid to meet development needs, although this need (and the aid offered) has decreased since 2000. The Malawian government faces challenges in growing the economy, improving education, health care and the environmental protection and becoming financially independent.

Malawi has several programs developed since 2005 that focus on these issues, and the country's outlook appears to be improving, with improvements in economic growth, education and healthcare seen in 2007 and 2008.

Malawi has a low life expectancy and high infant mortality. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, which is a drain on the labor force and government expenditures, and is expected to have a significant impact on gross domestic product (GDP) by 2010. Source: Wikipedia

I could understand if the judge denied her petition based on the fact that she did not meet the residency requirements, but to act as though Malawi is a thriving and prosperous country is simply an affront to all, including Malawians.

Judge Chondo further stated that Mercy, has no need to be be rescued as she is being raised in one of Malawi's best orphanages. So, there is no need to help any of the orphans because they are living in paradise. Human rights groups, led by the Human Rights Consultative Committee, a coalition of 85 groups, has accused Madonna of skirting the country's laws, which require prospective parents to live in the country for 18-24 months in order to undergo assessment. I agree with that and she should not skirt the law and be granted favors just because of who she is, but to imply that this woman could send a signal that could lead to child trafficking is irresponsible and disturbing. Judge Chondo, in case you haven't noticed, your country is dirt poor and living in an orphanage isn't akin to living in a good home. To Madonna, it is great that you want to give an orphan a home, but couldn't you adopt a child in the United States? There are so many children who are crying out for help in this country.