By Chisomo Phiri
Second Vice President Enock Chihana has called on Malawians to take a full responsibility in protecting their own rights and those of others, emphasizing that meaningful human rights protection must start at community and family level.
Speaking on Wednesday in Nkhata Bay during the commemoration of International Human Rights Day and the official closing of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Chihana noted that many citizens still place full reliance on laws and state institutions, overlooking the importance of everyday actions in safeguarding human dignity.
The second VP said it is sad and shameful that Malawi continues to face widespread human rights violations more than 30 years after returning to multi-party democracy in 1994.
He stressed that the country should now be focusing its energy on development instead of continually addressing recurring rights abuses.
Chihana reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving people’s welfare, citing initiatives such as the removal of secondary school fees and the prioritisation of what he described as the four Fs,food, fertilizer, fuel, and forex.
UN Women Country Representative Letty Chiwara said this year’s theme ‘Human Rights: Everyday Essentials’ serves as a reminder that human rights are not abstract concepts but must be embedded in daily life.
Executive Director (ED ) for the Foundation for Children’s Rights, Jennifer Mkandawire,said although the number of reported child abuse cases appears to be rising, the increase reflects growing awareness and reporting, rather than a surge in violations.
