By Chisomo Phiri
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of laws to explicitly prohibit corporal punishment of children in schools and homes.
The proposed reforms, if enacted, would impose penalties of up to K10 million on parents, guardians, or teachers found guilty of administering corporal punishment.
Speaking during the presentation of the proposal to the Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, in Lilongwe on Tuesday, MHRC Executive Habiba Osman,said the proposed changes would impact several key laws, including the Constitution, the Child Care, Protection and Justice Act, and the Education Act.
Osman warned that unchecked violence against children can lead to a cycle of abuse, with victims often becoming perpetrators in adulthood.
On her part, Sendeza acknowledged the persistence of corporal punishment in the country’s schools and homes.
Sendeza assured that her ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Justice to review the necessary laws.
